ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) is a life-support system that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and/or lungs when they are too sick to work on their own. Blood is pumped outside the body to an artificial lung (membrane oxygenator) that adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide, then returns the blood to the patient.
ECMO is used for patients with severe, life-threatening heart or lung failure when other treatments haven’t worked. Common conditions include severe pneumonia, ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome), heart failure, cardiac arrest, and complications after heart surgery.
The duration varies widely depending on the underlying condition and recovery progress. Some patients may be on ECMO for a few days, while others may require weeks or even months of support. The medical team continuously evaluates the patient’s progress to determine the optimal duration.
There are two main types: VV-ECMO (Veno-Venous) supports the lungs only and is used for respiratory failure. VA-ECMO (Veno-Arterial) supports both the heart and lungs and is used for cardiac failure or combined heart-lung failure.
Yes, in most cases families can visit patients on ECMO. Visiting policies vary by hospital and ICU, so check with the medical team about specific hours and guidelines. Your presence can be comforting and beneficial for the patient’s recovery.
ECMO patients are typically in the ICU with multiple monitors, tubes, and the ECMO machine nearby. The patient may be sedated or awake depending on their condition. Nurses and specialists will be available to explain what you’re seeing and answer questions.
Being present, talking to them (even if sedated), holding their hand, and staying positive can help. Ask the care team about activities that might be appropriate, such as playing favorite music or reading to them. Taking care of yourself is also important—use support resources available at the hospital.
Important questions include: What is the treatment plan? What signs of improvement are you looking for? What are the potential complications? How can I help in the care process? Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or repeated explanations.
ECMO carries risks including bleeding, infection, blood clots, stroke, and complications at the cannula sites. The medical team carefully monitors for these complications and takes preventive measures. The benefits of ECMO are weighed against these risks for each patient.
Weaning from ECMO is a gradual process. The medical team slowly reduces ECMO support while monitoring how well the patient’s heart and lungs function independently. Once the patient shows adequate organ recovery, ECMO can be removed in a procedure called decannulation.
After ECMO removal, patients typically remain in the ICU for continued monitoring. Recovery varies widely—some patients improve quickly while others need extended rehabilitation. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological support are often part of the recovery process.
No, ECMO requires specialized equipment and trained staff, so it’s only available at certain medical centers. Patients may need to be transferred to an ECMO center for treatment. Our resources page can help you locate ECMO centers in your area.
Yes, many hospitals have support groups for families of ECMO patients. There are also online communities and organizations like ourselves dedicated to supporting ECMO survivors and their families. Check our resources page for more information and links to support networks.
We welcome stories from ECMO survivors and families. You can submit your story through our Stories page. Sharing experiences helps others going through similar situations and builds our supportive community.
You can donate to organizations supporting ECMO research, participate in awareness campaigns, share educational resources, and join the patient registry to contribute to research efforts. Visit our Donate page to learn more about how you can help.
Our resources page provides links to trusted medical organizations, research institutions, and educational materials. Always consult with your medical team for information specific to your or your loved one’s situation.
Contact us at info@ardsalliance.org
If you or a loved one is experiencing a medical emergency, seek emergency medical care immediately by calling 911 or going to your nearest emergency room.