It is a therapy that represents an alternative for critically ill patients who do not respond effectively to conventional management since it is not possible to provide sufficient functional support to the compromised organ (heart or lung) which, due to lack of oxygen, can lead to multiple organ failure resulting in death.
Is it different from a respirator?
Yes, it is a different therapy. When a patient is on mechanical ventilation, the equipment assumes the function of the breathing muscles and encourages the use of their own lung to achieve oxygenation goals. In ECMO therapy, the patient’s lungs do not do any work, this function is fulfilled by the outer membrane that carries oxygen to the blood.
It is a therapy that represents an alternative for critically ill patients who do not respond effectively to conventional management since it is not possible to provide sufficient functional support to the compromised organ (heart or lung) which, due to lack of oxygen, can lead to multiple organ failure resulting in death.
Is it different from a respirator?
Yes, it is a different therapy. When a patient is on mechanical ventilation, the equipment assumes the function of the breathing muscles and encourages the use of their own lung to achieve oxygenation goals. In ECMO therapy, the patient’s lungs do not do any work, this function is fulfilled by the external membrane that carries oxygen to the blood, assuming the activity of the organ until it recovers its functionality in order to take extreme measures to preserve life. of the patient.