Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for Cardiogenic Shock

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving mechanical support technique used in patients with severe cardiogenic shock when conventional therapies fail. In cardiogenic shock, the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the body’s needs, leading to organ hypoperfusion....

• Cardiogenic shock is a severe form of acute heart failure characterized by pump failure despite adequate preload, leading to tissue hypoxia and organ dysfunction. Risk factors include advanced age, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, prior cardiac surgery, and complex coronary artery disease. Causes can range from acute MI and myocarditis to arrhythmias, cardiac tamponade, and pulmonary embolism. Symptoms involve hemodynamic compromise (low blood pressure, cardiac index), end-organ dysfunction (altered mental status, oliguria), and elevated lactate, creatinine, and cardiac biomarkers.