Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), is a rapidly developing technology for supporting or even replacing heart and/or lung functions for days or weeks, giving the time for recovery, other therapeutic interventions or replacement of the failing organ. For many years ECMO has been an established treatment for respiratory failure in newborns and children, but recently, it has been also applied to adult respiratory and circulatory failure. This technically challenging method and its use necessitates addressing problems not normally encountered in standard practice. This manual provides essential information that every ECMO team needs. All of the important topics are covered, from basic physiology to the practical details of bedside management. The manual contains high-quality illustrations of cannulation modalities and a number of photos. It is a practical guidebook for all caregivers on the ECMO team, and is small enough to carry in your pocket.
