Extra Corporeal Membrane Therapy (ECMO)

There are two types of Extra Corporeal Membrane Therapy (ECMO)

VA ECMO is connected both to a vein and an artery and is used when there are problems with both heart and lungs.

The VV-ECMO is connected to one or more veins, usually near the heart and is used when the problem is only in the lungs. This machine is primarily used for:

-Patients recovering from heart failure, or lung failure or heart surgery.

- As a bridge option to further treatment, i.e. when doctors want to assess the state of other organs such as the kidneys or brain before performing heart or lung surgery.

- Providing support during high-risk procedures in the cardiac catheterization lab after massive heart attack.

- As a bridge to a heart assist device, such as left ventricular assist device (LVAD).

- As a bridge for patients awaiting lung transplant. The ECMO helps keep tissues well oxygenated, which makes the patient a better candidate for transplant.

-Severe lung failure following Swine Flu infection (H1N1)

- Severe lung failure following Dengue fever.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) secondary to pneumonia, aspiration, severe air leak

Refractory Septic / Cardiogenic Shock

Myocarditis - viral, scorpion sting

Post Arrest shock

Meconium Aspiration

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension

Poisoning