WHAT IS v-a support?
ECLS stands for extracorporeal life support. ECLS is a special procedure for cardiac and/or respiratory support that allows the sick or injured heart and/or lungs to rest and recover.
ECLS uses of a special heart-lung machine configuration for patients whose heart and/or lungs are failing despite all other treatment options. The ECLS equipment functions as a heart (pump) and lung (oxygenator providing oxygen), and it performs the work of these organs so they can rest and heal. When lungs are sick or injured, they are unable to provide oxygen and remove carbon dioxide as they normally would. If the heart is sick, it may not adequately move blood through the body.
ECLS is similar to heart-lung bypass used in the operating room. Once the patient is placed on ECLS, the circuit will take over the work of the patient's heart and/or lungs and perform oxygenation and ventilation (removal of carbon dioxide).
