Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-support technique used when the heart or lungs can’t function properly. It temporarily takes over their role oxygenating blood and removing carbon dioxide giving the body time to heal. ECMO is often used in critical care when other treatments no longer work, offering vital support to patients with severe heart or lung failure.
There are two main types of ECMO. Veno-Arterial (VA) ECMO supports both the heart and lungs, commonly used during cardiac failure. Veno-Venous (VV) ECMO supports only the lungs, ideal for respiratory conditions like ARDS. Both types use tubes, a pump, and an oxygenator to circulate and oxygenate blood, helping maintain life while the underlying issue is treated.
ECMO is typically used when patients suffer from severe heart or lung conditions like heart failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pneumonia, or post-surgical complications. It provides temporary life support while the underlying disease is treated. Sometimes, ECMO is used before or after heart or lung transplants, helping patients survive until recovery or further treatment is possible.
ECMO may be required if a patient experiences extreme breathing difficulty, very low oxygen levels, heart failure, cardiac arrest, or multi-organ dysfunction. These symptoms often suggest that the heart and lungs can’t work effectively on their own. When standard treatments aren’t enough, ECMO can be a life-saving option to maintain oxygenation and circulation temporarily.
Doctors assess whether ECMO is needed through detailed testing. This may include ECG, echocardiogram, chest X-rays, CT scans, and arterial blood gas analysis. These tests measure heart rhythm, oxygen levels, and lung function. If conventional treatments fail and life-threatening issues persist, ECMO is considered as a supportive therapy to stabilize the patient and prevent organ failure.
During ECMO treatment, blood is removed from the patient, oxygenated by a machine, carbon dioxide is removed, and the blood is returned to the body. This artificial lung-and-heart system supports vital organs while doctors address the root cause. It helps stabilize patients in critical condition and is often used as a bridge to recovery or transplant.
Seek medical care if you experience signs of critical lung or heart failure.
Struggling to breathe or gasping for air during minimal exertion may indicate lung failure.
An unusually high heart rate could be a sign of the heart compensating for failing function.
Persistent chest pain might suggest heart stress or impending failure.
Feeling weak, faint, or excessively tired may reflect insufficient blood oxygen.
Discoloration indicates poor oxygenation, potentially needing immediate ECMO support.
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Amazing guidance and support throughout ECMO. mediSuggest made complex healthcare feel simple for us.
Neha Jindal Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
We had no idea where to go. mediSuggest helped us get care at a trusted ICU hospital immediately.
Ramesh Dubey Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
My uncle’s life was saved due to ECMO. mediSuggest made everything smooth during such a critical time.
Pooja Nair Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
mediSuggest arranged ECMO treatment within hours. Doctors were great, and coordination was excellent throughout.
Rajesh Iyer Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Their team was with us every step during my father’s ECMO treatment. I’m thankful for their expert advice and hospital tie-ups.
Anil Mehra Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
mediSuggest connected us to an excellent ECMO facility in time. My brother recovered well thanks to their timely coordination.
Sneha Bansal Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
ECMO is a machine that temporarily replaces the function of the heart and lungs, helping oxygenate blood and support the body until recovery.
Patients with severe heart or lung failure, including ARDS, pneumonia, or post-surgical complications, may be considered for ECMO therapy.
Yes, ECMO can be safely used in both children and adults, depending on the patient's condition and clinical assessment.
Risks may include bleeding, infections, or blood clots. Experienced teams at top hospitals manage these with constant monitoring and safety protocols.
Duration varies based on condition, ranging from a few days to weeks. It is carefully monitored by doctors for best outcomes.
