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