Answer Bank: What's ECMO?

ECMO, a word that we have frequently heard in the treatment for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), refers to a machine which can temporarily replace the functions of the heart and lungs.

The full name for ECMO is extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. It is known as the "ultimate lifesaver" for patients with severe cardiac and respiratory failure.

The machine operates by pumping venous blood from the body, artificially oxygenating it and then pumping it back into the arteries.

"ECMO is usually called the artificial heart-lung machine. It does provide cardiopulmonary support for a limited period of time for critically ill patients," said Luo Junjie, director of the First Division of Equipment Industry Department, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. "According to the six-edition diagnosis and treatment plan, ECMO is recommended for rescue treatment for severe and critical cases of COVID-19 when conventional treatment is ineffective."

Besides ECMO, more high technologies have been applied in the treatment of COVID-19.

P3 laboratories have third-level biosafety protection. Level-3 is applicable to pathogenic microorganisms or toxins that cause severe or even fatal diseases via the respiratory route.

Mobile P3 laboratories in Hubei Province provide nucleic acid testing in the temporary hospitals. The labs can move to anywhere needed.

"Samples are taken every morning and tested at 1 p.m. here. Doctors can get the test reports before 11 p.m.," said a CCTV reporter in Wuhan. "Such a mobile P3 lab can handle as many as 600 nucleic acid tests per day."

CT examination is one important method in screening and diagnosing the infection. Featuring flexibility, high efficiency and convenience, mobile CT equipment can be put anywhere based on actual need for CT scanning. And a CT scan can be done in less than three minutes.

"The application of these advanced facilities has played a vital role in the treatment at the front line," said Luo.