pediatric ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation)

Pediatric ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) is a medical technique used to support children with severe, life-threatening heart or lung failure. It functions like an external artificial lung and heart, temporarily taking over these organs’ work. Blood is drawn from the child’s body, oxygenated outside (adding oxygen and removing carbon dioxide), then returned to the bloodstream. ECMO provides critical support, allowing the heart and lungs to rest and recover from illness or injury. It is used in specialized intensive care units and requires careful monitoring by a specialized team.