Types of ECMO
Veno-venous ECMO
VV ECMO, or veno-ous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, temporarily interrupts the natural functions of the lungs simultaneously allowing the heart to continue operating at its normal rhythm. This type of ECMO is often recommended for patients who are facing serious health conditions such as embolism, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or severe respiratory failure. In this process, blood is drawn from a large vein in the body, then it is oxygenated through an ECMO machine that enhances its oxygen content before being returned to the bloodstream through the same vein. This method plays a crucial role in supporting patients with compromised respiratory function.
Veno-arterial ECMO
VA ECMO, or venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, is a medical procedure that temporarily takes over the functions of both the heart and lungs. By doing so, it renders these vital organs unable to carry out their natural responsibilities. This technique is frequently employed for patients who are facing severe heart failure as well as refractory cardiogenic shock, particularly in the aftermath of a cardiac arrest. The procedure involves the extraction of blood from a significant vein in the body, which is then oxygenated outside of the body before being returned to an artery, ensuring that the patient's blood remains oxygen-rich while their heart and lungs are unable to function.
