ECMO at Ascension Sacred Heart
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How does ECMO work?
A surgeon places one or more plastic tubes, called cannula, into large veins in your chest, neck or groin. The ECMO pump circulates your blood through the machine's artificial lung, or oxygenator. Carbon dioxide is removed from the blood and oxygen is added. As oxygenated blood leaves the oxygenator, it is warmed before returning to your body.
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What happens while on ECMO?
A member of your care team is with you 24/7 to monitor your machine and provide care. Your doctor uses blood tests, X-rays and other tests to make sure you are responding well to your treatment.
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Can you be awake on ECMO?
Yes. Depending on your health, your care team may choose to keep you awake while on ECMO support. This allows you to participate in occupational and physical therapy to help build your strength and speed your recovery. Your care team will keep you awake only in some cases.