What is extracorporeal membrane oxygenation?

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a type of life support. It's used for people with very serious lung or heart problems. ECMO uses a machine that takes carbon dioxide out of the blood and puts oxygen back into the blood. It does what the lungs and heart normally do on their own.

ECMO is used in serious cases, when a person's heart or lungs aren't working like they should. It doesn't cure these problems. But it can provide more time until a transplant or other life-saving procedures can happen. ECMO is only used when there are no other options. And it doesn't always work.

The ECMO machine is connected to your body with two tubes. They are placed in large blood vessels. Where the tubes are connected depends on why you are having ECMO.

One tube takes your blood into the machine. The machine pumps your blood through a special filter that removes carbon dioxide. Then the machine puts oxygen into your blood and returns it to your body through the second tube.

Because people who need ECMO are very ill, it is done in the intensive care unit (ICU). There is lots of equipment in the ICU to help monitor and treat patients. You can expect to see tubes, wires, and machines everywhere. The staff can help you understand what all of this equipment does.

The length of time you have ECMO could be a few days to a few weeks. It depends on what condition you have and how severe it is.