What is ECMO?

ECMO (Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) is a type of life support system. People who use ECMO have a serious ailment that prevents their heart or lungs from functioning normally.

When is ECMO done?

ECMO is utilised in life-threatening situations such as severe infection-related lung damage or shock following a large heart attack.

How does ECMO work?

Through plastic tubes ( cannula), the ECMO machine is attached to the patient. Large veins and arteries in the legs, neck, and chest are inserted with the tubes. 

Blood is pumped from the patient's body to an artificial lung (oxygenator), which adds oxygen and eliminates carbon dioxide. As a result, it takes the place of a person's own lungs. The ECMO equipment then replaces the heart's function by sending blood back to the patient via a pump with the same force as the heart.

The settings of the machine will be adjusted by an ECMO specialist to provide the patient with the amount of heart and lung support they require.