SCCM Pod-VCCR7 The Basics of Veno-Arterial and Veno-Venous ECMO and the Indications of ECMO Therapy

This podcast explores the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in adults, focusing on its mechanisms and appropriate patient selection. Dr. Elliott Cohen, Medical Director of Advocate Condell's Adult ECMO Program, explains the two primary types of ECMO: veno-venous (VV) for respiratory failure and veno-arterial (VA) for cardiopulmonary support, detailing the cannulation methods for each. The discussion highlights the resurgence of adult ECMO following the H1N1 outbreak and contrasts current practices with earlier, less effective approaches. Key considerations for ECMO candidacy include the severity and duration of a patient's condition, such as ARDS with a PF ratio below 80 for over six hours, and the absence of contraindications like metastatic cancer or prolonged shock.