Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in a Mouse
Published on: October 24, 2018
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiac support
1Heartlink ECMO Centre, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK.
Insights
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) offers vital support for critically ill children with heart issues. Despite controversy in some groups, ECMO shows remarkable survival rates for pediatric cardiac insufficiency.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric critical care medicine
- Cardiopulmonary bypass technology
- Extracorporeal life support
Background:
- Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides extended cardiac or respiratory support in intensive care units.
- While ECMO is established for neonatal respiratory failure, its application in adults and children remains debated.
- This review focuses on ECMO's role in pediatric cardiac insufficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of ECMO in pediatric patients experiencing pre- and post-operative cardiac insufficiency.
- To evaluate the efficacy and survival rates of ECMO in this specific pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and clinical data on ECMO use in pediatric cardiac insufficiency.
- Analysis of survival outcomes in patients treated with ECMO for cardiac conditions.
Main Results:
- ECMO demonstrates significant survival rates, ranging from 43% to 61%, in pediatric patients with cardiac insufficiency.
- These survival rates are notable given the typically critical condition of these patients before ECMO initiation.
Conclusions:
- ECMO is a valuable, life-sustaining intervention for pediatric patients with severe cardiac insufficiency.
- The remarkable survival rates support the continued use and investigation of ECMO in pediatric cardiac critical care.
Abstract:
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) uses cardiopulmonary bypass technology to provide prolonged cardiac or respiratory support in the intensive care unit. The use of ECMO for neonatal respiratory failure is now good evidence-based medicine following publication of the UK Collaborative ECMO Trial, but its use in adults and children remains controversial. In this review the use of ECMO to support paediatric patients with pre- and post-operative cardiac insufficiency is discussed. The survival with ECMO in these patients is 43-61%, which is remarkable in a group of patients who are moribund prior to initiation of ECMO.
More Related Videos
09:54Lung Rapid Recovery Procurement Combined with Abdominal Normothermic Regional Perfusion in Controlled Donation after Circulatory Death
Published on: August 15, 2022
03:40Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Peripheral Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Without Left Ventricular Venting
Published on: January 17, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue, improving...
Oxygen Delivering System I: Nasal Cannula and Face Mask
Nasal Cannula
A nasal cannula is a lightweight tube split at one end into two prongs and placed in the nostrils. It is typically used to deliver low to medium levels of oxygen.
Suggested flow rate: The suggested flow rate for a nasal cannula typically ranges between 1 and 6 L/min.
Oxygen percentage setting:...
Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Hemoperfusion and Hemofiltration
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management