Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Original Editor - Saud Alghamdi Top Contributors - Saud Alghamdi, Kim Jackson, Vidya Acharya and Ewa Jaraczewska
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Introduction[edit | edit source]

In 2022, it is estimated that nearly 200,000 patients received Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO).[1] ECMO is a technique that oxygenates the blood outside the body. It’s typically used when conventional ventilation is unable to oxygenate the blood adequately.[2]

It is important to understand that ECMO is a supportive therapy, not a disease-modifying treatment.[3] Similar to a ventilator or a dialysis machine, ECMO doesn't cure the underlying disease but takes over a vital function (oxygenation or blood circulation) when the body's organs are unable to do so adequately.

ECMO is a highly specialised technique that requires the input of intensive care specialists, cardiothoracic surgeons as well as ECMO-trained nurses and perfusion scientists.[2]

How does ECMO work[edit | edit source]

ECMO is a technique that oxygenates the blood outside the body. It’s typically used when conventional ventilation is unable to oxygenate the blood adequately.[2]

In ECMO, the blood is drained from the vascular system, circulated outside the body by a mechanical pump and then reinfused into the circulation. While the blood is outside the body, hemoglobins become fully saturated with oxygen and carbon dioxide (CO2) is removed from them. [4]


References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ ECLS ELSOEA. ELSO International Summary of Statistics | ECMO | ECLS [Internet]. Copyright (C) 2023 by Extracorporeal Life Support Organization - ECMO and ECLS. Available from: https://www.elso.org/registry/internationalsummaryandreports/internationalsummary.aspx
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 ECMO | Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) [Internet]. Royal Papworth Hospital. Available from: https://royalpapworth.nhs.uk/our-services/theatres-and-critical-care/ecmo#:~:text=ECMO%20is%20a%20highly%20specialised,trained%20nurses%20and%20perfusion%20scientists.
  3. ↑ Horan M. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and mechanical support for the circulation. Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine [Internet]. 2023 Oct 1; Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mpaic.2023.09.003
  4. ↑ Makdisi G, Wang I wen. Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) review of a lifesaving technology. Journal of Thoracic Disease [Internet]. 2015 Jul; Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4522501/
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