Review article

https://doi.org/10.15836/ccar2017.216

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Adults.

Gordana Bačić orcid.org/0000-0002-9050-5314 ; University of Rijeka School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Vjekoslav Tomulić ; University of Rijeka School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Igor Medved ; University of Rijeka School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Luka Zaputović ; University of Rijeka School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Teodora Zaninović Jurjević ; University of Rijeka School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
David Gobić ; University of Rijeka School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a procedure that provides extracorporeal mechanical circulatory or respiratory support and is used primarily in patients with life-threatening forms of heart or respiratory failure. There are two basic types of ECMO support: veno-venous (VV) and veno-arterial (VA) ECMO. VV ECMO ensures blood gas exchange and is applied in cases of severe reversible respiratory insufficiency. VA ECMO supports the function of the heart and lungs; other than in reversible forms of damaged heart function, it can also be used in irreversible forms of heart failure as a bridge to heart transplantation or to the implantation of mechanical circulatory support device. ECMO is an invasive and technically complex procedure that is performed in critically ill patients and thus has a high risk of complications. Results of ECMO treatment vary depending on the indications for the procedure itself. Patients in whom ECMO was applied for respiratory support show better outcomes compared with those with cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest. Despite a lack of evidence based on large randomized studies to support its application, in clinical practice ECMO represents a life-saving method of treatment in well-selected critical patients.

Keywords

extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; cardiogenic shock; respiratory insufficiency

Hrčak ID:

185313

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/185313

Publication date:

17.6.2017.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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