Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Douglas J.E. Schuerer, Nikoleta S. Kolovos, Kayla V. Boyd, Craig M. Coopersmith

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

78 Scopus citations

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a technique for providing life support for patients experiencing both pulmonary and cardiac failure by maintaining oxygenation and perfusion until native organ function is restored. ECMO is used routinely at many specialized hospitals for infants and less commonly for children with respiratory or cardiac failure from a variety of causes. Its usage is more controversial in adults, but select medical centers have reported favorable findings in patients with ARDS and other causes of severe pulmonary failure. ECMO is also rarely used as a rescue therapy in a small subset of adult patients with cardiac failure. This article will review the current uses and techniques of ECMO in the critical care setting as well as the evidence supporting its usage. In addition, current practice management related to coding and reimbursement for this intensive therapy will be discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)179-184
Number of pages6
JournalCHEST
Volume134
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2008

Keywords

  • ARDS
  • Cardiac failure
  • Extracorporeal life support
  • Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
  • Practice management
  • Respiratory failure

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