ECMO is utilized in two primary configurations depending on the patient's specific organ failure. Veno-Venous (VV) ECMO Isolated respiratory failure. Function: Supports lung function only. Common Use: Severe pneumonia, ARDS, or COVID-19. Veno-Arterial (VA) ECMO
The ECMO system operates by pumping blood out of the patient's body, processing it through an artificial membrane, and returning it to the circulation. Mechanical Circulatory Support: ECMO
The machine removes carbon dioxide and adds oxygen to the blood. ECMO is utilized in two primary configurations depending
A centrifugal pump provides the force needed to maintain blood flow when the heart is too weak to do so alone. Common Use: Severe pneumonia, ARDS, or COVID-19
Blood is accessed through large tubes called cannulas, typically inserted into major veins or arteries. Clinical Applications and Configurations
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of temporary mechanical circulatory support that acts as an external heart and lung system for patients with life-threatening cardiac or respiratory failure. Unlike standard ventilators or heart-lung bypass machines used in surgery, ECMO is designed for extended use—ranging from days to weeks—to allow the patient's organs time to rest and potentially recover. How ECMO Functions