What's ECLS/ECMO?
ECLS is an abbreviation for Extracorporeal Life Support, ECMO for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. ECLS or ECMO is a special procedure for cardiac support and/or respiratory assistance that allows the sick or injured heart and/or lungs to rest and get better or to provide the time needed to initiate the necessary procedures if transplantation is indicated.
It is the use of a special heart-lung machine configuration for patients whose heart and/or lungs are failing despite all other treatment options. The ECLS or ECMO equipment functions as a heart (pump) and lung (oxygenator providing oxygen). It takes over the work of these organs so they can rest and heal. When lungs are sick or injured, they are unable to provide oxygen and remove carbon dioxide as they normally would.
If the heart is sick, it may not adequately move blood through the body. ECLS or ECMO are similar to the heart-lung bypass used in the operating room except with ECLS or ECMO the patient is supported for longer periods of time. Once the patient is placed on ECLS or ECMO, the circuit will take over the work of the patient's heart and/or lungs. Oxygenation and ventilation (removal of carbon dioxide) is done for the patient so the heart or lungs can rest. Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is a general term which stands for long term heart and/or lung support (ECMO) and for the short term replacement of heart and lung function during cardiac surgery or cardiac interventions.
