extracorporeal membrane oxygenator


extracorporeal membrane oxygenator

Abbreviation: ECMO
A device that circulates blood, removes carbon dioxide from it, and adds oxygen to it. The blood is warmed to an appropriate temperature and recirculated to the patient. ECMO is used in patients with acute respiratory distress that has not responded to conventional mechanical ventilation, as well as in patients with meconium aspiration syndrome, pneumonia, and persistent pulmonary hypertension. See also: oxygenator