Extracorporeal Life Support Program
Frequently Used Terms and Medications
A test that measures how long it takes blood to clot.
A serious lung problem where the lungs are damaged and can’t get enough oxygen into the blood.
A medicine that fights germs (bacteria) that cause infection.
Blood thinner medicines that help prevent clots.
A blood test that checks how strongly blood thinner medicine (like heparin) is working.
A blood test that measures how long it takes blood to clot and helps guide blood thinner dosing.
The largest blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body.
A blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the body.
A blood thinner used during ECMO to prevent clots.
A test where doctors use a tiny camera to look inside the lungs and clear out mucus or blood.
Large plastic tubes placed in big blood vessels that let blood leave the body, go through the ECMO machine, and return back.
The procedure of putting cannulas (tubes) into the blood vessels.
A waste gas made by the body that we breathe out.
A test where a thin tube is placed into a blood vessel and moved up to the heart to check how it is working.
An ultrasound test that shows how well the heart is pumping.
The medical specialty that focuses on heart problems.
A doctor who operates on the heart and blood vessels.
A large blood vessel in the neck that carries blood to the brain.
The “artificial heart” in the ECMO machine that moves blood through the circuit.
A tube placed in the chest to drain air or fluid.
A picture of the chest that shows the heart and lungs.
A heart problem present at birth.
A short trial when ECMO support is weaned and paused to see if the heart and lungs can work on their own.
A detailed X-ray picture, often of the brain, to check for bleeding or injury.
The procedure of removing the ECMO cannulas and stopping ECMO.
An intravenous medicine that calms anxiety and helps with sleep.
A small feeding tube placed through the nose or mouth into the stomach or intestines to provide nutrition support.
Another name for ECMO.
A machine that takes blood out of the body, adds oxygen, removes carbon dioxide, and pumps it back in to help the heart and lungs rest.
A shaking or “chugging” in the ECMO tubing when blood flow isn’t smooth. This can happen if the patient moves, coughs, or needs more fluid.
The full setup of tubes, pump, and oxygenator that make up the ECMO machine.
How much blood is moving through the ECMO machine each minute.
A intensive care nurse trained to run the ECMO machine.
The group of doctors, nurses, and specialists who care for ECMO patients.
A test that measures brain activity with small stickers and wires on the head.
A breathing tube placed through the mouth into the windpipe, connected to a breathing machine (ventilator).
An intravenous medicine that helps the heart pump stronger.
Strong intravenous pain medicines that provide patient comfort.
Part of the ECMO machine that warms or cools blood before it goes back into the body to maintain a patient's ideal temperature.
A blood test that measures the amount of oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Low levels may mean the patient needs a blood transfusion.
A type of artificial kidney used with ECMO to remove extra fluid or metabolic products from the body.
A common blood thinner used during ECMO.
Scarring in the lungs that makes it hard for oxygen to get into the blood.
Bleeding in or around the brain.
A blood test that shows how well oxygen is reaching the body’s tissues. High lactate may mean the body is under stress.
Closing off blood vessels with stitches after cannulas are removed.
The “artificial lung” part of the ECMO machine that adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide.
A scan that uses magnets to take detailed pictures of the brain or body.
A doctor who cares for very sick newborn babies.
The medical specialty that studies and treats kidney problems.
The medical specialty that studies and treats brain and nerve problems.
An intravenous medicine that raises blood pressure.
Tiny blood cells that help stop bleeding. A blood test that measures how many platelets are in the blood. Low levels can cause bleeding; high levels can cause clotting.
When air leaks from the lung into the chest and makes it collapse.
An intravenous medicine used for sedation (to keep patients calm or asleep).
High pressure in the lung’s blood vessels, making it hard for blood to get oxygen.
A doctor who reads X-rays and scans.
Trouble breathing.
A daily team meeting where doctors, nurses, and specialists review the patient’s condition and plan. Families are welcome to listen.
A serious infection in the blood.
A very bad asthma attack that does not improve with usual treatments.
A natural substance in the lungs that keeps them from collapsing.
A mix of oxygen and air that helps remove carbon dioxide from the blood in the ECMO machine.
A special ICU bed that lets patients safely stand upright while still supported.
A breathing tube placed in the neck for longer-term support.
Temporarily lowering ECMO support to see if the heart and lungs can work without the machine.
A type of ECMO that supports both the heart and lungs.
An intravenous medicine that raises blood pressure.
A machine that helps patients breathe through a tube.
A pump that helps the heart move blood, often used while waiting for a transplant.
A type of ECMO that supports only the lungs.
Slowly reducing ECMO or ventilator support as the patient improves.