Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), also known as extracorporeal life support, is the practice of using circulatory assist devices and a gas exchange system to maintain sufficient tissue oxygen delivery, supplementing pulmonary and/or cardiac function in patients whose native physiology is too severely altered to be successfully supported solely by conventional life support techniques (eg, mechanical ventilation and inotropic and vasopressor drugs). ECMO should be considered in patients who are at a high risk of death due to a potentially reversible etiology of cardiopulmonary collapse. Indications for ECMO can be broadly divided into profound respiratory failure and/or cardiogenic shock. The indications include acute respiratory distress syndrome, heart failure, postoperative cardiogenic shock, and as an adjunct to cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients with cardiac arrest. ECMO is currently experiencing a renaissance, and familiarity with its concepts is important for all critical care practitioners. This review contains 8 figures, 8 tables and 34 references Key Words: complications, equipment, indications, management basics, outcomes