Asistencia mecánica circulatoria de corta duración

Medical therapy with inotropes and vasopresors in the treatment of cardiogenic shock has failed in many patients to maintain adequate perfusion and to prevent irreversible end-organ failure, leading to improvement and increasing utilization of temporary mechanical circulatory support devices (intra-aortic balloon pump, TandemHeart, Impella, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation [ECMO] and CentriMag Levitronix). ECMO provides days to weeks of support for patients with respiratory, cardiac, or combined cardiopulmonary failure, and its use in adults is increasing as well as indications have expanded, due to advances in technology and improved outcomes. In this article specific emphasis is placed on physiology, clinical indications, cannulation techniques, management and evidence for ECMO, as it is essential to become familiar with this device.