ECMO

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), is a modified form of heart and lung bypass designed to provide temporary support.

ECMO uses a modified cardiopulmonary bypass circuit for temporary life support of patients with potentially reversible cardiac and/or respiratory failure. ECMO provides the mechanism for gas exchange (perfusion) while bypassing the heart and lungs. While ECMO is not a cure for the underlying cause of cardiac or respiratory failure, it does allow time for recuperation and/or response to conventional therapies.