Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides temporary heart and lung support for critically ill patients with severe heart or lung problems. ECMO may be used when a patient's heart, lungs or both need more support than other treatments can provide. A multidisciplinary team of specially trained intensive care physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and other specialists works together to care for patients receiving ECMO.

What Is ECMO?

ECMO is a form of life support that temporarily does some of the work of the heart, lungs or both. This allows these organs time to rest while the care team treats the underlying illness or condition.

For example, patients with severe breathing problems may need more support than a ventilator can provide. ECMO uses an artificial lung, called an oxygenator, to add oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide. ECMO can also provide support when the heart is not working well enough to meet the body's needs.

The amount of time a patient needs ECMO varies depending on their condition and response to treatment. Some patients may need ECMO for several days, while others may need support for several weeks.

How Does ECMO Work?

During ECMO, blood leaves the patient's body through a tube called a cannula and travels through the ECMO circuit. A pump moves the blood through an artificial lung, or oxygenator, which adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide. The blood is then returned to the patient's body.

The ECMO care team closely monitors the patient and adjusts the level of support based on the patient's individual needs.

Who May Need ECMO?

ECMO may be considered for critically ill patients whose heart or lungs are not providing enough support despite other treatments. Whether ECMO is appropriate depends on the patient's condition, overall health and response to treatment. The care team evaluates these factors when determining whether ECMO may be an appropriate treatment option.

Conditions That May Require ECMO

ECMO may be considered for patients with certain serious heart or lung conditions, including:

  • Heart failure
  • Meconium aspiration syndrome
  • Sepsis
  • Respiratory distress syndrome
  • Persistent pulmonary hypertension
  • Pneumonia
  • Congenital diaphragmatic hernia
  • Other life-threatening heart conditions

Having one of these conditions does not necessarily mean a patient will need ECMO. The care team considers each patient's individual condition and medical needs when determining whether ECMO may be appropriate.

What Are the Types of ECMO?

There are two primary types of ECMO support. The type used depends on whether a patient needs support for the lungs, the heart or both.

Venovenous (VV) ECMO

Venovenous, or VV, ECMO provides support for the lungs. Oxygen-poor blood is removed from the body through a cannula and passes through the ECMO circuit. The oxygenator removes excess carbon dioxide and adds oxygen to the blood before it is returned to the body. During VV ECMO, the patient's heart continues to pump blood throughout the body.

Venoarterial (VA) ECMO

Venoarterial, or VA, ECMO provides support for both the heart and lungs. Oxygen-poor blood is removed from the body and passes through the ECMO circuit, where carbon dioxide is removed and oxygen