What is ECMO used for?
ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) is used in critical care situations when a person's heart and lungs need assistance to heal. It may be employed in the care of COVID-19, ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome), and other infections. ECMO is not a treatment for diseases, but rather a supportive measure when a person's body is temporarily unable to provide enough oxygen to their tissues. It can be used for various heart and lung conditions, including heart attacks, heart muscle disease, inflammation of the heart muscle, severe hypothermia, post-transplant complications, cardiogenic shock, blood clotting disorders, infections, loss of blood in limbs, seizures, and strokes. ECMO allows blood to bypass the heart and lungs, allowing these organs to rest and heal.
How is ECMO conducted?
An ECMO test is conducted by inserting a thin, flexible tube (cannula) into a vein to draw out blood and a second tube into a vein or artery to return warmed blood with oxygen to the body. This procedure is typically done under the guidance of a trained medical professional, such as a doctor or respiratory therapist. The person undergoing the test may receive sedation to ensure comfort during the procedure. The ECMO test is typically performed in a critical care setting, such as an intensive care unit, when a person's heart or lungs need assistance to heal. The duration of the test depends on the individual's medical condition and the reason for the ECMO treatment.