What is one common reason for the initiation of ECMO?

Initiating ECMO, or Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, is primarily aimed at providing support for patients experiencing severe respiratory or cardiac failure. This advanced life support system is employed in critical situations where conventional therapies are insufficient. ECMO functions by taking over the role of the lungs and/or heart, allowing these organs time to recover. In cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), severe pneumonia, or cardiogenic shock, ECMO can effectively oxygenate the blood and remove carbon dioxide, which is essential for maintaining tissue perfusion and oxygenation.

The focus on supporting patients with severe failures highlights the life-saving potential of ECMO, particularly when other treatment modalities may not suffice, underscoring its role in critical care settings.