Extracorporeal Life Support
Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS) is a medical technique used to support patients with severe heart or lung failure. It involves removing blood from the body, oxygenating it, and then returning it to the patient. This process helps maintain vital organ function while the underlying condition is treated.
ECLS can be life-saving in critical situations, such as during cardiac arrest or severe respiratory distress. The two main types of ECLS are Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and Extracorporeal Carbon Dioxide Removal (ECCO2R). These methods allow healthcare providers to stabilize patients until they can recover or receive further interventions.