The EXCEL Registry - The Australian and New Zealand ECMO Registry

ICU patients with severe heart of lung failure may require an external device called extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to oxygenate their blood. The use of ECMO is rapidly increasing. It has the capability to completely replace a non-functioning heart or lungs for days to weeks, but ECMO patients only have a 42% hospital survival rate. ECMO use is associated with significant costs and risks, and it needs experienced staff. To better manage this complex intervention, we need to have quality data on patients who use it.