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Review
. 2015 Jul;7(7):E166-76.
doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2015.07.17.

Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) review of a lifesaving technology

Affiliations
Review

Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) review of a lifesaving technology

George Makdisi et al. J Thorac Dis. 2015 Jul.

Abstract

Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) indications and usage has strikingly progressed over the last 20 years; it has become essential tool in the care of adults and children with severe cardiac and pulmonary dysfunction refractory to conventional management. In this article we will provide a review of ECMO development, clinical indications, patients' management, options and cannulations techniques, complications, outcomes, and the appropriate strategy of organ management while on ECMO.

Keywords: Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO); cardiogenic shock; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; respiratory failure.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Single cannula approach.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Veno-venous ECMO: two cannulation approach (A) femoral vein (for drainage) and right internal jugular for infusion, (B) both femoral veins are used for drainage and perfusion. ECMO, Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Peripheral veno-arterial ECMO cannulation approach: femoral vein (for drainage), (A) femoral, (B) axillary, (C) carotid, artery are used for perfusion. ECMO, Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Central veno-arterial ECMO cannulation approach. ECMO, Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Special configuration with RVAD used as ECMO. RVAD, right ventricle assisted device; ECMO, Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation.
Figure 6
Figure 6
LV thrombus in 19 years old patient with idiopathic cardiomyopathy and LVEF 10%, a thrombus developed after central VA ECMO. LV, left ventricle; LVEF, left ventricle ejection fraction; ECMO, Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation; VA, venoarterial.

Comment in

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