What is ECMO?

www.thoracic.org C LI P A N D C O P Y The ECMO machine replaces the function of the heart and lungs. People who need support from an ECMO machine are cared for in a hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU). Typically, people are supported by an ECMO machine for only a few hours to days, but may require it for a few weeks, depending on how their condition progresses. There are many overlaps and differences between the use of ECMO in children and adults. For a focus on Pediatric ECMO, please refer to the Medline Plus resource listed at the end, in addition to this document.