Venoarterial (VA) ECMO supports which of the following functions?

• A. Cardiac function
• B. Pulmonary function
• C. None
• D. Cardiac and pulmonary function

Answer: (D)

VA ECMO provides support for both the heart and the lungs. It draws blood from the venous system, runs it through an oxygenator, and returns it to the arterial circulation. This means it can maintain systemic perfusion like the heart does and also oxygenate blood and remove carbon dioxide like the lungs, effectively supporting both cardiac and pulmonary function. In contrast, VV-ECMO primarily handles gas exchange without providing direct circulatory support, so it would not comprehensively support cardiac function.