Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)



Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a method used in intensive care medicine that allows temporary replacement of lung and heart function. It is a system similar to the extracorporeal circulation, where one catheter draws blood from the venous system, which is then driven through an oxygenator and pumped back into the body into the venous or arterial system through the other catheter. According to this, we distinguish between venous or venoarterial ECMO, where it also acts as a cardiac support.

In the field of cardiology, ECMO is used, for example, in patients with acute myocardial infarction, arrhythmic storm or pulmonary embolism.

In intensive care medicine, ECMO is used for ARDS and ventilation disorders (eg in the H1N1 influenza pandemic).

The method provides time to resolve the main issue.