What is ECMO?

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of advanced artificial life support that is used when the heart or lungs are unable to perform their function properly. This machine temporarily takes over these vital functions by circulating blood outside the body, where it is oxygenated and cleared of carbon dioxide before being pumped back into the bloodstream.

Types of ECMO

You will likely receive one of two main types of ECMO:

  • Venoarterial (VA) ECMO: VA ECMO takes over the job of both the heart and lungs and helps oxygenated blood circulate throughout the body.
  • Venovenous (VV) ECMO: This procedure supports the lungs only when the heart can pump enough blood to the rest of the body.

Why might I need ECMO?

ECMO may be necessary if a serious illness or injury causes your heart or lungs to stop working properly. When injured or weak, the organs may need time to heal. Support using ECMO can take over, adding oxygen to and removing carbon dioxide from the blood and pumping oxygenated blood to the body.

Conditions treated by ECMO support include:

  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): In ARDS, fluid leaks into the lungs and makes breathing difficult due to Neumonía, sepsis or another cause.
  • Heart conditions: Cardiogenic shock due to Trauma, Ataque al corazón, advanced chronic heart failure or Miocardiopatía are just a few of the conditions that can weaken the heart and reduce its function.
  • Heart or lung surgery: During a heart or lung procedure, artificial support, like ECMO, may be needed to take over these organs’ functions so surgeons can operate or if a person is unable to come off the heart-lung bypass machine.
  • Premature birth: Babies born prematurely often have heart or lung problems and may need ECMO life support to take on the organs’ roles.
  • Pulmonary embolism: A sudden blockage in a lung artery, usually due to a blood clot, can cause a drop in blood pressure and serious heart and lung damage.
  • Pulmonary hypertension: High blood pressure in the lungs can damage the right side of the heart by making it strain to send blood into the lungs.
  • Cirugia de trasplante: If you’re waiting for a new heart or lung, you may need life support until you can have transplant surgery.

How to prepare for ECMO

You don’t need to do anything to prepare for ECMO because, in most cases, you can’t anticipate needing life support. Doctors may decide to use it to stabilize you after a trauma, serious illness or during or after surgery. Doctors and other medical professionals will get you ready to go on ECMO if the need arises.

The ECMO procedure

In many cases, the ECMO procedure takes place in the intensive care unit (ICU). You may be conscious or asleep while on the machine. A surgeon will place tubes called cannulas in your leg, chest or neck. Blood will exit the body through one cannula, pass through a series of devices that add oxygen and remove waste, and then reenter the body through the second cannula. You can stay on the machine for days or weeks, depending on the nature of your illness and how your heart and lungs respond to support and treatment.

What are the risks of ECMO?

Like any medical procedure, ECMO carries the risk of complications, some of which may be serious. Your doctors understand the benefits and risks of life support and will make an informed decision about whether it makes sense for you and your condition.

The potential risks of ECMO include:

  • Bleeding: Triggered when placing or removing the cannulas in your blood vessels, you may experience bleeding. You may require blood transfusions to mitigate this.
  • Blood clots: Blood clots can form during the ECMO process and obstruct blood flow through the machine. Blood thinners are used to prevent this.
  • Equipment failure: If the ECMO machine breaks down, artificial support may stop, which could be extremely dangerous and require swift intervention.
  • Infection: Germs may enter your bloodstream through the cannulas and spread throughout the body, leading to illness. This is prevented through the use of antibiotics.
  • Carrera: During ECMO, bleeding may occur in the brain or a clot may block blood flow to part of the brain, resulting in a stroke.
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Preguntas frecuentes

Referencias de pacientes

To refer a patient 24/7, call the transfer referral center. The on-call physician will be notified.

 

Central Texas transfer center: 254.724.5827

North Texas transfer center: 214.820.6444