WHAT TO EXPECT WHILE ON ECMO THERAPY
In addition to the ECMO machine and cannulae, your loved one may have other machines and / or tubes to help support them while they are sick. Some additional things you may see are pictured below.
• Chest tube – a tube placed through the chest wall to drain air or fluid
• Endotracheal tube – a tube placed into the mouth and leading into the lungs, to help with breathing
• Tracheostomy – a tube placed directly into the neck and leading to the lungs. It takes the place of the endotracheal tube that is placed in the mouth. This reduces the risk of infecting the lungs with germs from the mouth.
• Ventilator – A breathing machine that delivers oxygen, pressure, and a rate of breathing to the patient through a breathing( endotracheal) tube. Also known as a vent. uabmedicine. org 7