ECMO provides additional support to the heart or lungs for both adults and children when conventional treatments are failing in conditions that are potentially reversible.
For Lung Support
ECMO is commonly used for patients with:
- Severe pneumonia or lung infections (particularly influenza or COVID-19)
For Heart Support
ECMO is used in situations such as:
- Following a large heart attack, where blocked arteries have severely compromised heart function
- In inflammatory conditions of the heart such as myocarditis
Timing of ECMO Initiation
Most people who need ECMO need it urgently and unexpectedly. This means there’s often not enough time to talk about what ECMO is or the risks involved. Sometimes, if the situation isn’t as urgent, doctors can explain why ECMO is needed and what the risks are. But in emergencies, ECMO has to be started quickly to save the person’s life.