ECMO (Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation)
ECMO, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, is a life-saving treatment used to support patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure. At Dr. Aditya’s Clinic, we specialize in ECMO therapy for patients of all ages, from neonates to adults.
How ECMO works
ECMO works by temporarily taking over the function of the patient’s heart and/or lungs. The patient’s blood is removed from their body and passed through a machine that adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide. The machine then returns the oxygenated blood to the patient’s body.
ECMO can be used as a bridge to recovery or as a bridge to more definitive treatment, such as a heart or lung transplant.
Why ECMO is Performed
People who have severe heart and lung diseases, are awaiting a heart transplant, or are recovering from a heart transplant may benefit from ECMO. When other attempts at life support have failed, it can be an alternative. While ECMO cannot diagnose, treat, or cure a disease, it can be beneficial when your body is temporarily unable to give your tissues enough oxygen.
Benefits of ECMO
ECMO can provide numerous benefits for critically ill patients, including:
ECMO can improve the chances of survival for patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure.
By supporting the heart and/or lungs, ECMO can improve the function of other organs in the body.
ECMO can reduce the risk of complications associated with mechanical ventilation or other treatments for respiratory or cardiac failure.
ECMO can provide patients with time to recover from their illness or injury, allowing them to avoid more invasive treatments.
