Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a unique application to the cryonics industry to mitigate the potential damage that occurs to the cells, post cardiac arrest. By applying ECMO at the hospital bedside, concurrent with cardiac arrest, the donor's body can be continuously perfused with oxygenated, filtered and cooled blood, during transport up until cryoprotectant can be introduced into the patient's vascular system. This can eliminate or greatly reduce the effects of ischemic damage that occurs and is considered superior to mechanical chest compressions and ventilatory support. A team of doctors will gain vascular access, introduce venous and arterial catheters and connect to a mobile ECMO unit designed for transport in a specialized and dedicated ambulance. Upon arrival at the surgical/perfusion site, the same system can be integrated into the cryoprotectant tubing array, allowing for seamless transition from cardio/pulmonary support to blood washout and perfusion with cryoprotective fluids.