ECMO
Pronunciation: ECK-moh
Also written as: ECMO — Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Advanced life support technique that provides cardiac and respiratory support by circulating blood through an artificial lung outside the body.
Full Definition
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) represents the highest level of mechanical life support available in pediatric critical care. The system removes blood from the patient, oxygenates it through an external membrane oxygenator, removes carbon dioxide, and returns it to the circulation. ECMO can provide veno-venous support (respiratory failure) or veno-arterial support (cardiac failure). In children, ECMO is used for conditions including severe pneumonia, congenital heart disease, and post-surgical complications. Pediatric ECMO requires specialized cannulation techniques, circuit priming, and careful monitoring due to smaller blood volumes and unique physiologic considerations in growing children.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish between VV-ECMO (respiratory support) and VA-ECMO (cardiac support) when appropriate.
In Context
- "The neonate was placed on veno-arterial ECMO following repair of hypoplastic left heart syndrome." — Surgical report
- "ECMO criteria include reversible disease and failure of conventional mechanical ventilation." — Clinical guideline