Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a medical treatment used for patients whose heart and lungs are severely damaged and cannot function properly. It involves a machine that takes blood from the body, removes carbon dioxide, adds oxygen, and then returns the oxygenated blood back to the body. Essentially, ECMO acts like an artificial lung and heart, providing vital support while the organs heal or until a more permanent solution, like a transplant, can be arranged. It’s often used in critical care settings for conditions like severe pneumonia or heart failure.
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Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a medical technique used to support patients whose heart and lungs are not functioning adequately. It involves circulating blood through a machine that adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide, acting like an artificial lung. The blood is then returned to the body. ECMO is typically used in critical situations, such as severe lung disease or heart failure, providing time for the organs to heal or for other treatments to take effect. It's often employed in intensive care settings and can be life-saving for patients facing serious health challenges.