The doctor considers the ECMO machine the last option in patients whose lungs or heart are not functioning correctly. The development of this machine was in the 1960s. This machine was for infants who had cardiac problems and problems in the respiratory system. Its use in adults has become wider within the last few years.
The doctor connects the ECMO to the body of the patient through plastic tubes. The doctor inserts the tubes in the large vessels of the neck, chest, or legs. Next, the ECMO machine pumps the blood onto a device known as an oxygenator. This device removes carbon dioxide and adds oxygen. Thus, it performs the function of the lungs. The ECMO machine then supplies the blood to the body through pumping. The force of pumping is equal to that of the heart. The person managing the ECMO machine is known as a perfusionist. Perfusionist controls the level of support required by the patient.
The doctors and perfusionists evaluate the condition of the patient with the help of monitors. The monitor shows several critical parameters such as oxygen levels, heart rate, and blood pressure. The doctor also suggests tests to measure carbon dioxide and oxygen levels. The doctor may also prescribe blood thinners to patients to avoid the formation of a clot. These tests, along with other tests, help the patient determine the patient’s overall condition.