Extracorporeal life support for adult cardiopulmonary failure

The use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), as it is also known, has rapidly expanded over the past decade. The increase in ECMO use is a consequence of multiple factors including significant advancements in extracorporeal technology, the emergence of data supporting its use, and a growing number of potential clinical applications. This review focuses on the various modes of ECLS as well as the clinical indications and available evidence for the use of extracorporeal support.