ECMO: Understanding Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving procedure which provides circulatory support to patients with severe heart or lung failure. It involves connecting the patient's blood to a machine that oxygenates and removes carbon dioxide from the blood, allowing the heart and lungs to rest and recover.

The technology has several potential uses as a circulatory assist:

- As a temporary measure prior to surgery for severe congenital cardiac anomalies.

- Support for adults post-cardiac arrest.

- Bridge to decision for adults, offering more time to decide on a longer term solution.

- As a bridge to bridge for temporary use while waiting for a heart or lung transplant.