title: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adults: A practical guide for internists.
abstract: The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in adults has rapidly increased as the technology has evolved, although there is little definitive evidence that it is beneficial in this group. ECMO is now being used in acute respiratory distress syndrome (and was used extensively for this indication during the influenza H1N1 pandemic), as a bridge to lung or heart transplant, and in postcardiac arrest patients. We review the current evidence and indications for ECMO, focusing on its principles and practical aspects in adult patients with respiratory or cardiac failure.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
authors.forename: Tejaswini
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kulkarni
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
authors.forename: Nirmal S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.affiliation: Medical Director, ECMO Program, Cardiothoracic Transplantation, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA. E-mail: diaze@uab.edu.|Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
authors.forename: Enrique
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Diaz-Guzman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015199:Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation / Q000639:trends*; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000628:therapy*