When VV-ECMO Is Needed

When VV-ECMO Is Needed

The main reason to use VV-ECMO therapy is severe lung failure that cannot be treated by medications and a breathing machine. The care team determines when a patient has reached this point.

Conditions that may require VV-ECMO include:

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) from viral or bacterial pneumonia
• Respiratory failure due to too much carbon dioxide (hypercapnia) or not enough oxygen (hypoxemia) in the blood
• Supportive care while waiting for lung transplantation
• Severe lung injury immediately after transplantation

Patients can remain on VV-ECMO for days, weeks or even months. Duration will depend on the underlying condition that caused the lung injury, whether the lung is expected to recover, or donor availability if the patient is waiting to get a lung transplant.