EXTRACORPOREAL OXYGENATION DEVICE

Abstract

The extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) device is a temporary extracorporeal mechanical assistance system that provides vital support in the event of respiratory and/or circulatory failure refractory to conventional treatment, maintaining oxygenation and tissue perfusion until the recovery of pulmonary and/or cardiac function, or in its absence, until the decision of other therapeutic attitudes, such as the implantation of a ventricular assistance or a cardiac transplant. ECMO is achieved through the implantation of cannulas in the central or peripheral blood vessels of the patient through which the venous blood is drained, it is driven through a centrifugal pump passing it through an oxygenator, where the blood is oxygenated and removes carbon dioxide (CO2) extracted from the tissues during cell respiration and then reintroduces the patient. This article describes and updates the procedure and care of the extracorporeal oxygenation device.