ECMO Dictionary

ABG: A blood test performed at the bedside to measure the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide it contains. This tells us how well the ECMO circuit and/or ventilator is working.

Albumin: A protein made from plasma that helps keep fluid in the blood
vessels and supports circulation. Albumin may be given to help maintain blood volume.

Antibiotics: Medication that fights infections caused by bacteria.

Anticoagulants: Medication used to help prevent blood clots from forming while blood is flowing through the ECMO circuit. Blood levels are checked often to keep blood flow as safe as possible.

Aorta: The large artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Bivalirudin: A medication used to prevent blood from clotting in the ECMO circuit.

Blood Transfusion: The process of giving blood or blood components
(plasma, cryoprecipitate, platelets, PRBCs) through an IV to help support your child’s body while they are healing.

Bridge to Recovery: A phrase used to describe ECMO as temporary
support while the body heals.

Cannula: Soft, flexible tubes that are placed in large blood vessels to gently move blood to and from the ECMO machine.

Cardiac: Refers to the heart.

Carotid Artery: A large artery in the neck that carries blood from the heart to the brain. An ECMO cannula can be placed here to return blood to the body.

Chest Tube: A tube that is placed in the space between the lung and the chest wall to get rid of air or fluid.

Clotting Factors: Special proteins in the blood that help control bleeding. These may be given if blood tests show certain factors are low. 

Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: Dialysis to help remove fluid
and control electrolytes. It can sometimes be used to remove toxins.

Cryoprecipitate: A concentrated blood product that contains specific
clotting proteins. It may be given if certain clotting levels are low.

Decannulate: To remove the cannula.

Diuretic: A medication that helps the body get rid of extra fluid by making more urine.

Donor Blood: Blood products given during ECMO that come from carefully screened donors. Each donation is tested to ensure safety before being used.

Echocardiogram (ECHO): A machine that uses sound waves to evaluate heart function.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO): A form of life
support that gives the heart and/or lungs extra help when a child is very sick. ECMO is temporary and allows the body time to rest and heal.

ECMO Circuit: The tubing and parts that carry blood from your child to the ECMO machine and back again. 

ECMO Team: A group of specially trained doctors, nurses, ECMO specialists, respiratory therapists, and other caregivers who work together to care for children on ECMO.

Edema: Swelling.

Endotracheal Tube (ETT): A breathing tube placed through the mouth or nose and attached to a ventilator to help your child breathe.

FdO2: This is the amount of oxygen being given by the ECMO machine to help oxygen get into the blood.

FiO2: This is the amount of oxygen being given by the ventilator or breathing machine to help your child breath.

Head Ultrasound: Sound wave test that checks for abnormal bleeding in the head of patients.

ICU: Intensive care unit. This is the place in our hospital where your child will be taken care of by the team.

Jugular Vein: A large vein in the neck that carries blood from the brain to the heart. An ECMO cannula is frequently placed here.

Life Support: Medical care that helps vital organs, such as the heart and lungs, do their job when the body cannot do so on its own.

Monitoring: Continuous watching of vital signs, blood tests, and the ECMO machine to keep your child safe and comfortable.

Oxygenator: The part of the ECMO machine that adds oxygen to the blood and removes carbon dioxide – similar to what healthy lungs do.

Plasma: The liquid portion of blood that contains proteins to help with
clotting. Plasma may be used to support healthy clotting when needed.

Platelets: Small blood cells that help stop bleeding and support clotting.
Platelets may be given if counts are low or if there is concern about bleeding.

Pressors: Medications that help raise blood pressure and support the heart.

Pump: The part of the ECMO machine that moves blood through the circuit at a safe and carefully controlled speed.

Red Blood Cell (RBC): The part of blood that carries oxygen to the body. Red blood cells may be given if levels are low to help make sure your child’s tissues are getting the oxygen they need.

Slow Continuous Ultrafiltration: A type of kidney support that removes
extra fluid from the body.

Sodium Bicarbonate: A medication that supports the body when the
kidneys are not working correctly.

Sweep Flow: The amount of oxygen going to the oxygenator.

Trial Off ECMO: A short test where the ECMO support is lowered to see if the heart and/or lungs can work on their own.

V-A (Veno-Arterial): A type of ECMO that supports both the heart and
lungs.

Ventilator: A breathing machine that helps move air in and out of the lungs. Even while on ECMO, some children continue to use a ventilator to gently support the lungs.

V-V (Veno-Venous): A type of ECMO that supports the lungs only, while the heart continues to pump on its own.

Whole Blood: Blood that contains red cells, plasma, and platelets together. It is sometimes used in specific situations when multiple components are needed.