Veno-venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VV ECMO) is a life-support technique used in Critical Care for patients with severe respiratory failure. It extracts deoxygenated blood from the venous system, oxygenates it externally via an artificial lung, and returns it to the venous system, bypassing the patient’s compromised lungs. This method allows the lungs to rest and heal by providing adequate gas exchange, often guided by ultrasound for vascular access and cannula placement.
Ultrasound plays a crucial role in VV ECMO, facilitating precise insertion of cannulas and monitoring for complications like pneumothorax or fluid overload. Real-time ultrasound guidance ensures patient safety and optimizes the efficacy of this vital intervention in managing critical respiratory conditions.