ECMO protocols

ECMO, or Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, is a life-support technique used for patients with severe heart and lung failure. It works by taking blood out of the body, oxygenating it through a special membrane, and then returning it to the body. The protocols around ECMO involve careful assessment of the patient’s condition, determining the need for ECMO, and monitoring throughout treatment. It requires a specialized team to manage the machine, ensure proper blood flow, prevent complications, and coordinate with other medical care. ECMO is typically used in critical situations when other treatments have not been effective.