Is the Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation System Industry on the Verge of Collapse?

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-sustaining technology that provides cardiac and respiratory support to individuals with severe respiratory failure. Cannulas, a pump, a blender, and an oxygenator compose the ECMO circuit, which oxygenates the blood and removes carbon dioxide using an extracorporeal gas exchange device known as a membrane oxygenator. The position of the cannulas' drainage and reinfusion ports defines the ECMO system's mode of operation. If the drainage and reinfusion are both from central veins, the procedure is known as venovenous ECMO, and if it is from vein to artery, it is known as venoarterial ECMO. Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), acute hypercapnic respiratory failure, to bridge lung transplantation, primary graft malfunction post-lung transplantation, and pulmonary hypertension with right ventricular failure are also potential reasons for ECMO usage.

The phrase extracorporeal membrane oxygenation refers to long-term extracorporeal support that focuses on the function of oxygenation. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices are also employed as postoperative support in heart surgery. Researchers have also created an enhanced extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device known as extracorporeal life support (ECLS). A single membrane oxygenator, oxygen blender, cannula, post membrane pressure monitor, heat exchanger, venous reservoir, and centrifugal pump comprise an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is the best strategy for transporting patients with severe ARDS, according to medical authorities. The majority of medical professionals recommend using an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device for diagnostics during heart surgery. Although extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a dangerous therapy, it should only be conducted by experienced medical professionals. These devices are also utilized for infants who are awaiting heart or lung transplants. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices offer enough oxygen to a young kid, enabling the lungs and heart to rest or recuperate.

The increased prevalence of sickness will increase the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation systems in hospitals and surgical facilities. According to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization's (ELSO) annual international register, 65,171 patients got an ECMO system in 2015, which climbed to 98,840 in 2018, with 40,256 being neonatal, 22,952 being pediatric, and 35,632 being adult.