Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Treatment

ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) is a complex system, similar to the heart-lung bypass machine used in open heart surgery. When a patient is connected to ECMO, blood flows through tubing to an artificial lung in the machine, which adds oxygen and takes out carbon dioxide. Thereafter, the blood is warmed as per the body temperature and pumped back in the body.

ECMO Therapy is a high end rescue therapy for patients suffering from heart and lung failure but are neurologically intact. The technology provides support during high-risk procedures in the cardiac catheterization lab after a serious heart attack. It acts as a bridge for patients awaiting lung transplant. The ECMO helps keep the tissues well oxygenated, thereby making the candidate suitable for a transplant. When a patient is connected to ECMO, blood flows by tubing an artificial lung in the machine, which adds oxygen and takes out carbon dioxide.