I Was a ECMO child...
What is extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)?
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an important treatment for infants and children with cardiorespiratory failure.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation is the use of an artificial lung (membrane) located outside the body (extracorporeal), that puts oxygen into the blood and then carries this blood to the body tissues (oxygenation).
It is a modified form of heart-lung bypass and is used for a longer period than the machines used in the operating room during open-heart surgery.
Why would extracorporeal membrane oxygenation be recommended?
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can take over the function of the child's heart and / or lungs for a limited time until the child recovers from the initial cause of the failure.
The most frequent use for ECMO has been with newborn respiratory failure, although it may also be helpful in selected cases of severe heart failure in infants and children.
There are several instances when the heart may need extra support. One use is soon after heart surgery to allow the heart to recover from surgery.
Another use is as a "bridge" to heart transplant where extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can continue to support the child until a heart becomes available.
It can also be used to provide support for a child waiting for cardiac surgery.
This program saved my life when i was younger i am really glad i was able to go threw this as be alive today!!
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