Mobile ECMO: Cardiovascular support on site

The use of mobile ECMO can be considered for the following conditions:

• Cardiogenic shockLife-threatening condition due to the severely reduced pumping capacity of the heart. The heart is not pumping enough blood into the circulation. The following causes, for example, can lead to cardiogenic shock: heart attack, acute leakage of the aortic or mitral valve, pericardial tamponade, inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) or the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis), etc., e.g. in acute myocardial infarctionSee heart attack. or heart failure
• Acute lung failure, e.g. acute pulmonaryBelonging to the lungs. embolismSmall particles washed away with the bloodstream (= embolus, usually parts of blood clots from another part of the circulatory system) can cause blood vessels to close. As a result, the cells supplied by the blood vessel in question die. Air, fat and foreign bodies that get into the vessels can also cause an embolism. or pneumonia
• Intoxications
• HypothermiaLowering the body temperature below 35°C. In cardiac surgery, artificially lowering the body temperature reduces the metabolic processes, especially the oxygen consumption of the organs. Consequently, the blood circulation can be interrupted for a short time without damaging the organs.

A team consisting of cardiac surgeons and a cardiac technician is brought to the requesting hospital by the ambulance service and implants the ECMO on site. The mobile ECMO is connected to the patient via puncturePenetration with a hollow needle. Used to take blood samples, inject substances or to puncture a cavity filled with a liquid and thereby empty it. The insertion of a (heart) catheter is also referred to as a puncture. of the groin vessels and then takes over the complete oxygenation and perfusionFlow through with fluid (e.g. organs are perfused with blood). of the patient, so that cardiopulmonary stabilisation can take place and end organ damage can be prevented. Mobile ECMO is a therapy option whose use is decided in an interdisciplinary exchange. In our department, specialists are available around the clock to plan the further care of patients together with the colleagues in charge of treatment.

Emergency number

Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit +49 (0)89 1218 3106