ECMO
Also written as: ECMO — Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation used for severe cardiac and respiratory failure.
Full Definition
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an advanced life support technique that provides cardiac and respiratory support for patients with severe heart or lung failure. In emergency cardiology, ECMO is used for conditions like massive myocardial infarction, post-cardiac arrest syndrome, or acute heart failure refractory to conventional therapy. The system pumps blood outside the body through an artificial lung back into the bloodstream, bypassing the heart and lungs. ECMO requires specialized teams and is considered when other interventions have failed.
Usage
Usage note: Always write as ECMO in capitals; avoid 'ECMO machine' as redundant.
In Context
- "The patient was placed on veno-arterial ECMO after failed resuscitation from cardiac arrest." — Emergency department documentation
- "ECMO cannulation was performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory." — Procedure note