There are two main ECMO techniques according to the type of vascular access that is used: venovenous and venoarterial. Each one has a specific indication. Venoarterial ECMO gives cardiac and respiratory support. Indications for venoarterial ECMO include postcardiac surgery (heart surgery or heart transplantation), cardiogenic shock due to acute myocardial infarction or acute myocarditis and intoxication. For cardiac support, the goal is to optimize organ perfusion (by obtaining a SVO 2 greater than 70%, which usually needs an output index of about 3 L/ min/m 2 ). This is achieved by choosing the appropriate sizes of cannula according to the patient's body surface area.