ECMO is a machine that helps people whose lungs or hearts aren’t working properly. It takes over the job of the lungs and sometimes the heart so that the body can rest and heal.
- Veno-Venous (V-V) ECMO:
This type helps people with very sick lungs. It takes blood from a vein, adds oxygen to it, and returns it to the body. It doesn’t help the heart directly.
- Veno-Arterial (V-A) ECMO:
This type helps people whose heart isn’t working well. It takes blood from a vein, adds oxygen to it, and then pumps it back into an artery to help the heart and lungs.
- Extra-Corporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (E-CPR):
This type is used when someone’s heart stops completely. Special teams quickly set up ECMO to help pump blood around the body.
- How long can you be on ECMO?
ECMO can be used for different lengths of time. V-V ECMO is usually used for longer periods, while V-A ECMO and E-CPR are used for shorter times. Unfortunately, survival chances are lower with V-A ECMO and E-CPR.
When someone is on ECMO, they stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Specially trained doctors and nurses look after them. ECMO treatment is often combined with other treatments, like dialysis for the kidneys or special feeding. People on ECMO are moved safely around the hospital when needed.