An ECMO team, or group of specialists, are the ones who are called when someone is being considered for ECMO candidacy. This usually will involve a critical care doctor, a cardiologist, a pulmonologist, a surgeon, alongside nurses, respiratory therapists, and perfusionists. These are incredible, life saving professionals who dedicate their careers to keeping patients safe on such a complicated machine. 

The ECMO team is the one who is called to see if a patient is a good candidate for ECMO. If this is decided, the patient can be placed on ECMO either in the cath lab, bedside, or in an operating room. This procedure takes a village, and these specialists are highly trained and knowledgeable healthcare providers here for you and your loved one.

As with any major invasive procedure or surgery, ECMO does come with risks. First, and most common, is the risk of bleeding. There is also a risk of blood clots, and in the most severe cases, poor blood-flow to a limb. This may result in further procedures that your doctor will go over with you. However, when someone is sick enough to be on ECMO, the benefits of the machine outweigh the potential risks, and ECMO has saved countless lives. It is the last chance. 

This is daunting and scary, however at hospitals there are support groups, and a team there to help you and thoroughly explain risks and benefits of this procedure. Always remember to advocate for yourself and your loved one. Ask questions, the team is there to help!

There are many different indications for patients who are considered for VV-ECMO. First, the team is looking to see if there is still preserved cardiac function, VV ECMO primarily assists with the lungs. There are several considerations taken into account for patients- age, acuity, and pre-existing morbidities. Once this is all considered, here is who may be placed on VV- ECMO.

• Acute Severe Respiratory Failure (both hypercarbic and or hypoxemic)

• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

• Bronchopleural Fistulas

• Complex airway management

• Pulmonary air leaks

• Respiratory Failure after a lung transplant