INTRODUCTION TO ECMO
ECMO stands for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation . The ECMO machine is similar to the heart-lung bypass machine used in open heart surgery . It pumps and oxygenates the patient ’ s blood outside the body , allowing the heart and lungs to rest . When a patient is connected to an ECMO machine , blood flows through tubes to an artificial lung in the machine that adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide . Then , the blood is warmed to body temperature and pumped back into the body .
ECMO was first used in 1975 and has been saving lives ever since . The success rate has continually improved over the years . UAB Medicine has been providing this therapy for many years , and we are a recipient of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization ( ELSO ) Gold Level Center of Excellence award .
ECMO may be used to help patients who are severely ill , have conditions of the heart and lungs , or are waiting for a heart and / or lung transplant ( or recovering from one ). ECMO is not appropriate for every patient , but it may be an option when other life support measures have not worked ( such as a ventilator , a machine that helps you breathe ). ECMO does not treat or cure disease , but it can help temporarily when the body on its own cannot provide enough oxygen to organs and tissue . ECMO takes over heart and lung function , giving them a chance to rest and heal . This therapy is only offered to patients whose heart and / or lung condition is thought to be reversible , but ECMO therapy is no guarantee of recovery .
ECMO is a short-term therapy . Depending on the patient ’ s condition , ECMO can be used for a few days to a few weeks . The amount of time your loved one will receive ECMO support depends on their condition . The doctor will talk with you and your family about what to expect .
4 Family Guide for Patients Who Need ECMO