THE FULL SPECTRUM OF ECMO SERVICES

The lungs and heart are essential organs in removing carbon dioxide from the blood to adding oxygen to the blood so that the body can function properly. Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, more commonly known as ECMO services, are temporary support for severe heart and/or lung failure. Similar to the heart-lung bypass machine that is used during cardiothoracic surgery, in which the ECMO circuit aids by taking over the duties of the heart and lungs in adding oxygen to the blood and helping the heart pump properly. ECMO services are used to take over the duties of the lungs and heart in order to allow them to heal.

Why would ECMO services be needed?

The body cannot survive without oxygenated blood; thus patients with an ill-functioning heart or lungs can be kept alive with ECMO services. Breathing machines may not be suitable as while they provide the body with oxygen, this oxygen is given at high pressure which may further damage the lungs. Because ECMO is used to spare the effort of the heart and lungs in their functions by oxygenating the blood outside the body. It is used in cases where a patient’s lungs and heart are too sick to function and need time to heal and repair. Therefore, the aim of ECMO services is to allow the damaged heart or lung time to recover while still maintaining the functions needed by the body to survive.
Babies, young children and adults may be in need of ECMO services for severe lung and heart problems such as Pneumonia or Sepsis.

It may also be used for the post-cardiac syndrome, temporary bridging, bridging therapy, electric support and many other severe cases of heart and lung failure. While ECMO does not treat the underlying condition, it aids by allowing the heart and lungs time to strengthen and heal themselves.

How does ECMO work?

ECMO is often given to those already on a breathing machine. Breathing machines may not be sufficient or sustainable for these patients as while they provide the body with oxygen; this oxygen is given at high pressure which may further damage the lungs. ECMO is then given in conjunction so that the pressure of the oxygen may be lowered and the effort is taken over by the ECMO machine instead.
ECMO works by pumping blood from the body through a large vein to an external extracorporeal artificial lung (the membrane). This artificial lung then removes the carbon dioxide from the blood and adds oxygen to the blood before pumping it back through the vein in the heart to the body.
Because ECMO services are a highly specialised service, they can only be administered by a specialist with the expertise and training such as a cardiothoracic surgeon. While ECMO services are a highly specialised technique and are reserved for very serious and severe cases, Dr Scott has the expertise in administering these services and managing the healing process of the heart and lungs.