3 ms·
Thanks for the explanations. Isn't there a way to oxygenate blood outside of the body like dialysis? Why isn't that used more?
by belltaco 7y ago
Thanks for the explanations.
Isn't there a way to oxygenate blood outside of the body like dialysis? Why isn't that used more?
- bryan_w 7y agoI was wondering this too. It seems like the problem would be the rate of oxygenation of the blood is too high for any current machine to handle and something completely new need to be designed
- unsrsly 7y agoGreat question! You are referring to ECMO. The main limitations of ECMO come from the serious complications that can occur, which can include life-threatening bleeding, blood clots, infections, strokes, and brain damage. The number of hospitals in the US offering ECMO is in the low hundreds. It takes an experienced team to use it safely, and if used in the wrong patients, it can artificially prolong suffering rather than saving a life. However, it is still an amazing technology for some patients.