What is ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation)?
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or ECMO, is a form of artificial life support for a person whose heart and lungs aren't functioning correctly. End-of-canister ventilation continuously pumps blood out of your body by using devices that give oxygen and remove carbon dioxide (ECMO). It then refills the blood in your body.
When you suffer from a heart attack, respiratory disease, or other trauma, ECMO care can be very beneficial in helping your heart and lungs heal and relax.
What is the meaning of ECMO?
The term extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is ECMO. "Outside the body" refers to extracorporeal. The remaining portion of the term alludes to supplying oxygen to your body's cells.
How does an ECMO operate?
Blood exits your body through a tube in a sizable blood vessel in your neck, chest, or close to your groin during an ECMO treatment. Your blood is forced via tubes to a machine that eliminates carbon dioxide and provides oxygen by means of a pump. After then, the machine reintroduces blood into your body.
People who require pulmonary assistance can benefit from ECMO treatment, which can also bypass the heart and lungs.
Is ECMO considered a form of life support?
Yes, in fact. ECMO is an advanced medical device that is only used for patients who require immediate or critical treatment. Mechanical ventilation devices are part of life support systems, however their use is restricted to air movement. They cannot instantly remove oxygen and carbon dioxide from your blood. With ECMO, these gases can be exchanged similarly to how your lungs do.
Which medical disorders are treated with an ECMO machine?
ECMO is used by providers in the following circumstances:
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can result from lung damage that impairs the ability of the lungs to absorb oxygen from the blood and expel carbon dioxide. This may occur with:
- Respiratory infections, including COVID-19-causing new coronavirus, pneumonia, the flu, and more.
- Lung damage caused by sepsis.
- Injuries from inhaling and burns. Lung damage can result from breathing in hot air from a fire, inhaling smoke, or hazardous chemicals and toxins.
- Overdose on drugs.
- Your body may release poisons and substances that can harm your lungs if your pancreas becomes inflamed.
- Aspirating or drowning something, such food, drink, vomit, or water, into your lungs.
- Airway hemorrhage.
Pulmonary embolism-
A pulmonary embolism happens when a blood clot travels toward and deposits in your lungs from somewhere else in your body, generally your legs. This could stop blood from getting to your lungs, which could cause lung and heart failure that is fatal.
Heart conditions-
You may need ECMO treatment if you have illnesses or conditions other than trauma-related heart injury. A couple of these are included in this:
Cardiac attack-
Trauma, such a fall or car accident can cause your heart muscle to bruise and get damaged.
Newborns and infants-
Newborns and infants with heart or lung problems, especially those delivered prematurely, are often placed on ECMO treatment.
Surgeries and transplants
When a patient is unable to receive a certain kind of treatment or operation, ECMO can help act as a "bridge." In patients awaiting a lung or heart transplant, or during the following periods, medical professionals employ ECMO:
- Surgical transplants.
- Both lung and heart surgery.
- Recovery from surgery.
- Prolonging the life of a donor of organs.
What are the benefits of using an ECMO machine?
For those who are really sick, an ECMO system can save their lives by supporting their heart and lungs. The ensuing outcomes are possible:
- Reduces the burden on the heart and lungs, allowing them to recuperate.
- Maintains an individual's life during surgery or other medical procedures.
- Aids a patient in waiting for a transplant.
- Benefits newborns that have underdeveloped lungs or heart problems at birth.
When is the right time to stop using an ECMO machine?
ECMO is less likely to benefit the elderly. Your healthcare physician can advise you about the advantages and hazards of aging.
There are various situations or scenarios in which ECMO is not a viable solution. These are:
- When the patient suffers from unrepairable circulation, lung, or heart issues—conditions that a transplant cannot treat.
- Those who have injuries to their brain or liver, among other vital organs.
- Cancer that has proliferated since its start.
- Bleeding that cannot be stopped internally, particularly in the brain, or wounds that may cause bleeding that cannot be stopped.
How much time can someone spend using an ECMO machine?
Individuals may get ECMO care for days or weeks at a time. The duration of a patient's stay on ECMO is determined by the reason for their requirement.
What happens after you stop using ECMO?
When a patient is receiving ECMO, medical professionals will periodically assess their heart and lung functions to ensure everything is OK and no problems are developing. This also helps healthcare professionals decide how long to keep a patient on ECMO.
Providers will start weaning a patient off of ECMO as soon as they exhibit symptoms of healing. This process often takes a few days to complete.
Does ECMO apply only to the heart?
ECMO works well in cases of heart failure. Providers may also decide to use other kinds of support technology, such as ventricular assist devices.
Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation)?
Tender Palm Hospital has the most experienced cardiologists & cardiac surgeons in Lucknow, India. We provide advanced cardiac care with modern catheter lab facilities and a caring medical team. Our focus on patients ensures safety, precision, and faster recovery. This makes us one of the Best Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Hospital in Lucknow, India.
To seek an expert consultation for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) in Lucknow, India
Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com
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