20. Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) for Pulmonary and/or Cardiopulmonary Support—a Brief Review and Our Experience

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) for Pulmonary and/or Cardiopulmonary Support—a Brief Review and Our Experience

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CEUs: 2 Clinical

Average read time: 50 minutes.

Short Summary of the Article:

This article discusses the use of ECMO, a life-saving modality for patients with severe cardiac, pulmonary, or cardiorespiratory failure that is refractory to conventional treatment. ECMO can provide either partial or full support depending on the condition of the patient. It is used in both adult and pediatric populations, particularly in patients who have not responded to other interventions. The article explores ECMO’s history, landmark trials, its indications for use, and the complications that can arise during ECMO therapy. Furthermore, the paper provides insights into the authors’ clinical experience with ECMO at a large-volume center in India.

Learning Outcomes 

Upon completion of this activity, you should have an understanding of:

1. The Use of ECMO in Cardiac and Pulmonary Support: Learners will understand the role of ECMO in providing temporary mechanical support to patients with severe cardiac and pulmonary failure, particularly those unresponsive to conventional treatment methods.
2. The Clinical Indications and Techniques for VV and VA ECMO: Learners will explore when and how ECMO should be utilized, including a distinction between veno-arterial (VA) and veno-venous (VV) ECMO, and their respective indications for respiratory versus cardiac support.
3. The Complications and Monitoring of ECMO Therapy: Learners will gain knowledge of the potential complications that may arise during ECMO, such as bleeding, infection, and neurological issues, and the importance of monitoring and troubleshooting in ECMO management.

(Max of 3 Attempts)