Is Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation a Panacea?

ABSTRACT

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has emerged as a vital life-support technique in critical care medicine, providing temporary circulatory and/or respiratory support for patients with severe cardiac or respiratory failure unresponsive to conventional therapies. This review aims to outline the importance of ECMO and provide a comprehensive overview of its main applications. Two primary types of ECMO, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, serve distinct functions in supporting patients with cardiac or pulmonary dysfunction, respectively. While ECMO ofers life-saving potential, its utilization requires careful consideration due to its cost and resou rce-intensiveness. Thus, a comprehensive evaluation of an individual patient's clinical condition, prognosis, and potential for recovery is crucial. Ongoing research and technological advancements continually refine ECMO techniques, enhance patient selection criteria, and improve long-term outcomes. Within this narrative review, we present an updated approach to patient selection and ECMO utilization, supported by a detailed literature review. By consolidating the current evidence, we aim to provide healthcare professionals with valuable insights into the ECMO's post-pandemic role.