How long can you be on ECMO?
The duration of ECMO support typically ranges from several days to a few weeks. Patients are continuously monitored, and the goal is to discontinue ECMO as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.
Is there an alternative to ECMO?
ECMO is generally considered a last-resort treatment for patients who are critically ill and have not responded to other interventions. It is used when no other options are available, and the patient faces a high risk of death without this level of support.
What are the risks associated with ECMO?
As with any advanced medical treatment, ECMO carries certain risks. The most frequent complication is bleeding, which can occur because patients are given blood thinners to prevent clots from forming in the ECMO circuit. Bleeding may be minor, such as oozing at the cannula insertion site, or it could be more serious, leading to events like stroke or significant blood loss. To manage these risks, patients are closely monitored and the dosage of blood-thinning medication is adjusted as needed. It is not uncommon for patients to require transfusions of blood or blood products before, during, and after ECMO treatment.
ECMO is only a part of the patient’s journey – for anyone who has experienced or is experiencing ICU as a patient, please see: https://www.mylifeaftericu.com