Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Abstract

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving intensive care technology that uses partial heart and lung bypass for extended periods. Also known as extracorporeal life support (ECLS), it is not a therapeutic modality, but rather a supportive tool that provides sufficient gas exchange and perfusion for patients with acute, reversible cardiac or respiratory failure. This affords the patient's cardiopulmonary system time to rest, sparing them from the deleterious effects of traumatic mechanical ventilation and perfusion impairment.