ECMO
Pronunciation: ECK-moe
Also written as: ECMO — Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation providing cardiac and respiratory support in severe organ failure.
Full Definition
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of mechanical circulatory and respiratory support used in neurocritical care for patients with severe cardiac or respiratory failure. In the neurological context, ECMO may be employed for patients with conditions such as massive stroke, traumatic brain injury with cardiac complications, or during high-risk neurosurgical procedures. The system pumps blood outside the body through an artificial lung that adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide before returning the blood to circulation. ECMO can provide veno-venous support (for respiratory failure) or veno-arterial support (for combined cardiac and respiratory failure). Careful monitoring of neurological status is essential as ECMO may affect cerebral perfusion and requires anticoagulation.
Usage
Usage note: Always write in all capitals; spell out on first use in formal documents.
In Context
- "The patient was placed on veno-arterial ECMO following cardiac arrest secondary to massive cerebral hemorrhage." — case report
- "ECMO support allowed for aggressive management of the patient's intracranial pressure while maintaining systemic perfusion." — clinical study