ECMO Specialist

What is ECMO?

ECMO stands for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. It is a technique that oxygenates and pumps blood outside of the body. It is used to support the patient’s heart and lungs and provide oxygen to the body while the patient’s own organs recover.

ECMO is an advanced form of life support and is used in cases of severe cardiac or respiratory failure. It is a complex procedure that requires specialized equipment and highly trained medical personnel to perform.

Who is ECMO Specialist?

Who is ECMO Specialist? ECMO specialists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). They are responsible for the care of patients who are receiving ECMO, including setting up and operating the ECMO machine, monitoring the patient’s vital signs, and managing any complications that may arise.

An ECMO Specialist is a healthcare professional who is trained and certified in the management of ECMO, a life-saving procedure used to support cardiac and respiratory function in patients who are in critical condition. The ECMO Specialist is responsible for the setup, operation, and monitoring of the ECMO equipment, as well as the care and management of the patient receiving ECMO.

How does ECMO work?

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of life support that takes over the function of the lungs or heart. It pumps and oxygenates a patient’s blood outside the body, using a machine to add oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide. The oxygenated blood is then returned to the body.

ECMO involves a tube that is inserted into a large vein in the neck, chest, or groin. The tube is then connected to a pump that moves the blood through an artificial lung back into the bloodstream. The artificial lung adds oxygen to the blood and removes carbon dioxide, allowing the patient to receive oxygen while their lungs or heart recovers.

Types of ECMO

There are two main types of ECMO:

  • Veno-Arterial, and,
  • Veno-Venous.

Veno-Arterial ECMO takes blood from the veins, oxygenates it, and returns it to the arterial side of the circulation.

Veno-Venous ECMO takes blood from the veins, oxygenates it, and returns it back to the veins. Veno-Arterial ECMO is typically used for patients with cardiac and/or respiratory failure, while Veno-Venous ECMO is used for patients with severe pulmonary failure.

Venoarterial (VA)

Venoarterial (VA) ECMO is a form of cardiopulmonary support that is used when there is inadequate cardiac or pulmonary function. It works by taking blood from the venous system, oxygenating it, and returning it to the arterial system. This is so that the body can receive the oxygen it needs.

Venovenous (VV)

Venovenous (VV) ECMO is a type of extracorporeal life support that circulates blood outside of the body through an oxygenator, allowing for time for the body to recover and heal itself. It is used to treat a variety of conditions, including respiratory failure, cardiac failure, and other life-threatening conditions.

Indication of VA ECMO

VA ECMO (veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) is a life-saving therapy for patients whose heart and/or lungs are unable to adequately provide oxygen to their body. It is indicated in cases of cardiogenic shock, severe respiratory failure, and other acute life-threatening conditions.

Indication of VV ECMO

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) is typically indicated in patients with severe hypoxemia or cardiac decompensation who have failed other therapies. It is used as a temporary life-saving measure while underlying conditions are treated.
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