Evolution of ECMO

Abstract

ECMO (Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation), synonymously known as ECLS (Extra Corporeal Life Assist) has been proven to be helpful in saving the lives of patients who have been critically unwell due to reversible, cardio-pulmonary failure. The knowledge and the scientific discoveries leading to the successful trials of ECMO happened over centuries. It is interesting to note how the beliefs and superstitions were replaced by proven, scientific data over millennia before we reached the latest era of working with bio-compatible materials. Medical History has always been interesting. In this review article, I will briefly summarise the evolution of Medicine in different periods as the foundations were laid in this period. I will narrate further concepts about the development of ECMO technology over a period of four centuries in part 2. Lastly, in Part 3, I will describe the birth and evolution of ECMO as a science and the perfection of the components of ECMO.