ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) is a life-support technique that uses a machine to temporarily take over the function of the heart and/or lungs, providing oxygen to the blood and removing carbon dioxide when the patient’s own organs are unable to do so effectively. Repost: @surgicalanimation #respiratorytherapy #respiratorytherapist #respiratorytherapystudent #respiratorytherapyzone #respiratorycare #respiratorytherapyschool #ECMO | Respiratory Therapy Zone

Understanding the basic components of ECMO is key to managing these patients. Blood drains from a large vein through a drainage cannula, is propelled forward by a pump, and passes through a membrane oxygenator where gas exchange occurs. Then it’s returned to the body through a return cannula, either into a vein (VV ECMO) or an artery (VA ECMO). This setup is the patient’s temporary heart and/or lungs! . Grab the ECMO Cheat Sheet in the bio for a quick reference guide. . Follow for more ICU nursi