Can ECMO be used in patients of all ages?

ECMO is a versatile life-support technique that can indeed be utilized across all age groups, including neonates, children, and adults. This capability makes it an invaluable tool in critical care environments where patients may suffer from severe respiratory or cardiac failure, regardless of their age.

The use of ECMO in neonates is typically seen in cases of congenital heart defects or severe respiratory distress syndrome, while its application in older children and adults often pertains to conditions like ARDS, cardiogenic shock, or during heart and lung transplants.

This broad applicability reflects the advances in ECMO technology and the evolving protocols that have made the technique safer and more effective across diverse populations. As a result, healthcare providers can adapt ECMO for a wide range of clinical scenarios, underscoring its role as a crucial intervention in critical care medicine.