extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Advanced life support technique providing temporary cardiac and respiratory support using an external oxygenation circuit.
Full Definition
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a form of life support that provides gas exchange and circulatory support outside the body through specialized pumps and oxygenators. In surgical critical care, it serves as a bridge to recovery, transplantation, or decision-making in patients with severe cardiac or respiratory failure unresponsive to conventional therapy. ECMO configurations include veno-venous (respiratory support) and veno-arterial (cardiac and respiratory support). Management requires specialized training, anticoagulation monitoring, and vigilance for complications including bleeding, thrombosis, and hemolysis.
Usage
Usage note: Full term preferred in formal documentation; commonly abbreviated as ECMO in clinical practice.
In Context
- "Patient was placed on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiogenic shock." — Critical care consultation
- "Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation weaning trial was unsuccessful due to poor cardiac function." — ICU progress note