Efficacy of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a medical technology that provides temporary support to the heart and lungs when they are severely damaged or failing. It works by redirecting blood from the body to a machine that adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide, then returns the blood to the patient. ECMO can give the heart and lungs a chance to recover or serve as a bridge to more definitive treatments, like surgery or transplantation. Its effectiveness varies based on the patient's condition, but it is a vital, life-saving option for critically ill patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure.