extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Also written as: ECMO — Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Mechanical cardiopulmonary support that oxygenates blood outside the body.
Full Definition
A complex life-support technique that provides cardiac and respiratory support by circulating blood through an artificial lung (oxygenator) outside the patient's body. ECMO is reserved for critically ill neonates with severe but potentially reversible cardiopulmonary failure when conventional therapies have failed. The system requires vascular cannulation, systemic anticoagulation, and intensive monitoring. Two main configurations exist: veno-arterial (VA) for cardiac support and veno-venous (VV) for respiratory support only.
Usage
Usage note: Specify VA-ECMO or VV-ECMO configuration; requires specialized center terminology.
In Context
- "The neonate with severe meconium aspiration was placed on VA ECMO after failing maximal medical therapy." — ECMO team consultation
- "Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation provided cardiac support during recovery from congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair." — Surgical progress note