What is ECMO primarily used for?

ECMO, or Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, is primarily used for patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure where traditional therapies have failed. In particular, it is effective for patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) as it provides oxygenation and allows for the removal of carbon dioxide, addressing the impaired gas exchange that characterizes the condition. Patients who are hyperemic, or experiencing elevated levels of oxygen in the blood, may also benefit from ECMO when they cannot maintain adequate oxygenation despite conventional treatment.

This advanced technology serves critical roles in cases where lung function is compromised due to various pathologies, making it a vital option in the management of severe respiratory failure and related complications. Other choices listed represent conditions or scenarios where ECMO is not the first-line or most effective treatment, reflecting the specificity and targeted nature of ECMO in critical care settings.