I'm wondering about the seriousness of being on ECMO. I've heard about it and I want to know if it's a critical condition to be in, or if it's a relatively common and not-so-serious procedure.
6 answers
LightningStrike
Wed Oct 16 2024
ECMO, a complex medical procedure, carries inherent risks and uncertainties. One of the primary concerns is that it might not yield the desired results, leaving the patient's heart and lungs unable to fully recover.
ShintoSanctum
Wed Oct 16 2024
In some cases, the condition of the patient may deteriorate despite ECMO support, highlighting the unpredictability of the treatment.
SolitudeEcho
Wed Oct 16 2024
Another significant risk associated with ECMO is uncontrolled bleeding, which can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed.
Raffaele
Tue Oct 15 2024
Life-threatening infections are also a possibility during ECMO treatment, as the procedure involves the insertion of tubes and catheters that can serve as entry points for pathogens.
SakuraFestival
Tue Oct 15 2024
Despite these risks, ECMO remains a valuable tool in the treatment of severe heart and lung failure when other conventional therapies have failed.