The ECMO system operates by pumping blood out of the patient's body, processing it through an artificial membrane, and returning it to the circulation.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of temporary mechanical circulatory support that acts as an external heart and lung system for patients with life-threatening cardiac or respiratory failure. Unlike standard ventilators or heart-lung bypass machines used in surgery, ECMO is designed for extended use—ranging from days to weeks—to allow the patient's organs time to rest and potentially recover. How ECMO Functions
The machine removes carbon dioxide and adds oxygen to the blood.
ECMO is utilized in two primary configurations depending on the patient's specific organ failure. Veno-Venous (VV) ECMO Isolated respiratory failure. Function: Supports lung function only. Common Use: Severe pneumonia, ARDS, or COVID-19. Veno-Arterial (VA) ECMO
A centrifugal pump provides the force needed to maintain blood flow when the heart is too weak to do so alone.
Blood is accessed through large tubes called cannulas, typically inserted into major veins or arteries. Clinical Applications and Configurations
