Veno-arterial ECMO

Veno-arterial ECMO (VA-ECMO) is a life-support system used for patients with severe heart and lung failure. It involves removing blood from a large vein, then filtering and oxygenating it outside the body with a machine. The machine then pumps the blood back into an artery, helping to circulate oxygen-rich blood throughout the body when the heart and lungs can't do so effectively. This provides critical support, allowing the heart and lungs time to recover or serving as a bridge to transplant or other treatment.