EXTRACORPOREAL MEMBRANE OXYGENATION (ECMO) IN CASES OF ACUTE CARDIORESPIRATORY FAILURE

Abstract

Acute cardiorespiratory failure is a critical condition that often requires advanced interventions, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This method has stood out as an effective alternative for temporary support in cases refractory to conventional therapies, allowing hemodynamic stabilization and adequate oxygenation while awaiting recovery or considering definitive interventions. Thus, this study aimed to explore advances in the use of advanced cardiopulmonary bypass in cases of acute cardiorespiratory failure. To this end, an integrative literature review was carried out, the research question was elaborated based on the PICO strategy, namely: "What is the available evidence on the efficacy, indications, outcomes, and challenges related to the use of ECMO in patients with acute cardiorespiratory failure?" The inclusion criteria covered studies published between 2018 and 2024, in English, Portuguese and Spanish, that addressed the topic, presented relevant data and were available in full, while duplicate studies, not available in full, or that did not directly address the topic were excluded. The data sources consisted of widely recognized electronic databases, such as PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO. Through this, this study reviewed the recent literature to investigate the evidence related to the efficacy, indications, clinical outcomes, and challenges of ECMO in cases of acute cardiorespiratory failure. The analysis included 15 studies that explored different aspects of this technology, highlighting the need for rigorous patient selection criteria, early deployment, and well-trained multidisciplinary teams to optimize outcomes. The findings underscore the vital role of ECMO in critical situations, while pointing to the need for standardization of practices, development of more accessible technologies, and public policies that expand its availability. It is concluded that, although ECMO is a promising tool, its efficient application depends on an integrated approach that addresses the technical, ethical, and logistical challenges that the therapy still faces.