Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
A form of cardiopulmonary bypass providing temporary cardiac and respiratory support for critically ill patients with severe cardiopulmonary failure.
Full Definition
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of temporary mechanical cardiopulmonary support that provides gas exchange and circulatory support for patients with severe, potentially reversible cardiac or pulmonary failure. In congenital cardiology, ECMO is utilized for perioperative support during high-risk cardiac procedures, postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock, or as a bridge to recovery or transplantation. The system consists of a membrane oxygenator, blood pump, and circuit tubing that diverts blood from the patient's circulation, oxygenates it externally, and returns it to the circulation. ECMO can be configured for venoarterial support (cardiac and respiratory) or venovenous support (respiratory only).
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as ECMO in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The neonate required emergent cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation following failed weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass." — Critical care note
- "Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation served as a successful bridge to heart transplantation in this complex single ventricle patient." — Transplant evaluation