Introduction to ECMO in Trauma Surgery

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly recognized as a vital tool in trauma surgery, specifically for managing severe respiratory and cardiac failure. Veno-venous (VV) ECMO is primarily indicated for patients with respiratory failure, allowing for lung support through a bypass system that oxygenates blood outside the body. Conversely, veno-arterial (VA) ECMO provides both respiratory and cardiac support, making it a suitable choice in cases where cardiac output is critically low. Real-life examples illustrate ECMO's effectiveness as a bridge to recovery, particularly in cases of severe blunt thoracic trauma where traditional treatments fail.