Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a temporary mechanical support system used to aid heart and lung function in patients of all ages – newborn to adult – with severe respiratory or cardiac failure.
Applications
ECMO is an option for:
- Respiratory failure
- Heart failure
- Cardiac arrest
- Failure to wean from heart-lung bypass after heart surgery
- As a bridge to either a heart transplant or placement of a ventricular assist device
- As a bridge to a lung transplant
Your medical team will determine if ECMO is appropriate based upon a review of your medical history, health status and prognosis.