ECMO for surgical practice

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an invasive, life-saving therapeutic methour The method has undergone intensive development and, over time, the number of patients and indications for its use in the treatment of critically ill patients has increased.

This invasive therapy came to the wider awareness of doctors and the general public primarily in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, in some cases, this method became the ultimum refugium for the often-publicised rescue of patients with respiratory failure. However, ECMO is indicated not only for respiratory failure but also for heart and lung failure in adult, paediatric, and neonatal patients. ECMO involves both complex and very specific issues.

The book addresses the topic of ECMO logically, clearly, and with a sensitive approach to detail. It includes an overview of pathophysiology, mechanisms of use, indications, contraindications, complications, and certain practical tips gathered from experience in managing this therapy. The text is supplemented with diagrams and interesting photographs.

The publication is aimed at a wide spectrum of readers, for both basic undergraduate and postgraduate education. It is suitable for medical students and specialist doctors (interventional cardiologists, anaesthetists, intensivists, vascular surgeons, and cardiac surgeons), and indeed for all doctors working in fields that come into contact with ECMO therapy.