Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Consideration of Human Factors in Intensive Care Patients

Approximately 6000 intensive care units in the United States have Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) programs that are crucial for supporting critically ill patients with cardiogenic shock or respiratory failure. ECMO is a lifesaving technique that oxygenates blood outside the body, providing critical time for other treatments to take effect. There are two main types of ECMO: veno-venous ECMO, which supports lung function, and veno-arterial ECMO, which supports both lung function and cardiac output. Despite advancements in technology, the success of ECMO relies heavily on skilled specialists who require extensive training and effective teamwork.