ECMO
Pronunciation: ECK-moh
Also written as: ECMO — Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Advanced mechanical life support providing cardiac and respiratory support during cardiovascular procedures or cardiogenic shock.
Full Definition
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a form of extracorporeal life support that provides prolonged cardiac and respiratory support by removing blood from the patient, oxygenating it outside the body, and returning it to the circulation. In cardiovascular radiology, ECMO may be used as circulatory support during high-risk procedures or as rescue therapy for procedural complications. ECMO can be configured as veno-arterial (VA) for cardiac support or veno-venous (VV) for respiratory support.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize as ECMO. Specify VA-ECMO or VV-ECMO when configuration is relevant.
In Context
- "VA-ECMO was initiated for hemodynamic support during the complex left main intervention." — Critical care procedure note
- "The patient required emergent ECMO cannulation following procedural cardiogenic shock." — Emergency intervention report