Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

In Brief Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly being used with adult patients in respiratory failure or cardiac failure. ECMO is a complex treatment that requires diligent nursing care. Critical care nurses with the knowledge and ability to identify complications of ECMO can potentially reduce morbidity and mortality in these high-acuity patients. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly being used with adult patients in respiratory failure or cardiac failure. ECMO is a complex treatment that requires diligent nursing care. Critical care nurses with the knowledge and ability to identify complications of ECMO can potentially reduce morbidity and mortality in these high-acuity patients.