Critical care challenges in the adult ECMO patient.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) represents an alternative method of pulmonary support for the critically ill patient with severe respiratory distress. It is commonly used in the neonatal and pediatric populations and is being used with increasing frequency in adults. Although ECMO is not new to the intensive care unit setting, it is usually considered a last resort measure in the adult population. ECMO may save a life and present an awarding challenge to the intensive care unit nurse.