extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
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a medical procedure that provides temporary mechanical support to the heart and lungs by circulating and oxygenating blood outside of the body
An extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a medical procedure used to provide life support to patients with serious heart or lung problems. During an ECMO, blood is pumped outside the body to a machine that adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide. This allows the heart or lungs to rest and heal. ECMO is typically used when standard treatments are not effective, and it can support patients while they wait for a heart or lung transplant or recovering from a serious illness or injury.