ECMO
Pronunciation: ECK-mo
Also written as: ECMO — extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; life support system providing cardiac and respiratory support outside the body.
Full Definition
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; a life support system that provides cardiac and respiratory support outside the body by removing blood, oxygenating it artificially, and returning it to the patient. In fetal surgery contexts, ECMO may be used postnatally for infants with severe respiratory failure, particularly those with congenital diaphragmatic hernia or other conditions affecting lung development. The decision to place an infant on ECMO is influenced by prenatal interventions and predictions of postnatal respiratory function.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize when abbreviated; lowercase when spelled out.
In Context
- "The neonate required ECMO support immediately after delivery due to severe pulmonary hypoplasia." — Neonatal intensive care unit note
- "Prenatal counseling included discussion of potential need for ECMO in the immediate postnatal period." — Informed consent documentation