One form of ECMO temporarily takes over the work of the heart and lungs, removing blood from the right side of the heart, passing it through a special membrane to remove carbon dioxide and add oxygen, then returning it to the body on the left side of the heart. A second form of ECMO temporarily takes over the work of only the lungs, removing and returning blood to the right side of the heart.
Specialists at University of Minnesota Health Heart Care have long been pioneers in the treatment of heart diseases. Our team of intensivists, cardiologists, surgeons, ECMO specialists, nurses and other medical specialists combine advanced technologies with compassionate care to treat your condition.