State of the Art Review: Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO): A Life-Saving Therapy and Its Challenges of Implementation in Emerging Healthcare Systems

Authors

  • Vedat Eljezi Pôle Médecine Péri-opératoire, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59928/vzdrg703

Keywords:

ECMO, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, respiratory failure, cardiac support, ARDS, complications, critical care, healthcare challenges

Abstract

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is an advanced life-support technique increasingly used in patients with refractory cardiac and/or respiratory failure. This narrative review provides a multidisciplinary overview of ECMO’s indications, modes, complications, outcomes, costs, and feasibility in low-resource settings, using Kosovo as a case study. Despite the high costs and complexity, ECMO can be safely and effectively implemented in emerging healthcare systems through phased planning, centralized care, and international collaboration.

 

 

 

Keywords: ECMO, ARDS, cardiogenic shock

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Published

15-04-2026

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026): Kosova Journal of Surgery (Volume 10, Issue 1, Part 2): Trauma and Critical Care Surgery Update: Expanding the Evidence

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 The Author(s)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.