Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used in patients with catastrophic respiratory and cardiac failure. In this article, the physiologic similarities and differences between normal and ECMO cardiopulmonary function are reviewed. The processes involved in gas transfer are described, as well as the factors that influence the efficiency of oxygenation and elimination of carbon dioxide. Emphasis is placed on the clinical relevance of the physiology of ECMO for critically ill patients.