The Role of Echocardiography in monitoring patients supported with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO).

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of critical care support for patients with severe respiratory or circulatory failure where conventional medical treatments have failed. Two main configurations of ECMO exist: Venovenous (VV) to support failing lungs, and venoarterial (VA) for circulatory shock. Echocardiography is an invaluable tool in the assessment of patients requiring ECMO. It can be utilised for decision-making regarding the most appropriate configuration, detection and management of complications, and to guide weaning. This concise review is intended to be a primer on the role of echocardiography for patients requiring ECMO for circulatory failure.