extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Also written as: ECMO — extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Advanced life support technique using external artificial lung and heart bypass to provide respiratory and cardiac support in critically ill patients.
Full Definition
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a sophisticated life support system that provides temporary cardiac and respiratory support by circulating blood outside the body through an artificial membrane lung and pump system. In pediatrics, ECMO is reserved for patients with severe, potentially reversible cardiopulmonary failure who have failed conventional medical management. The system removes deoxygenated blood from the patient, oxygenates it through a membrane oxygenator, removes carbon dioxide, and returns the oxygenated blood to the circulation. Two primary configurations exist: veno-arterial (VA) ECMO for combined heart and lung support, and veno-venous (VV) ECMO for isolated respiratory support. While ECMO can be life-saving, it carries significant risks including bleeding, thrombosis, infection, and neurological complications, requiring intensive monitoring by specialized teams.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify VA or VV configuration when documenting. Commonly abbreviated as ECMO after first use.
In Context
- "The newborn with severe meconium aspiration syndrome was placed on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after failing conventional ventilatory support." — NICU progress note
- "Daily multidisciplinary rounds evaluated the patient's readiness for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation weaning protocols." — Critical care team meeting