What is LIFE SUPPORT?
- Dr. Megan
- May 23, 2023
- 2 min read
In moments of medical emergencies or critical illness , life support plays a pivotal role in sustaining life and providing the necessary time and care for recovery. These sophisticated technologies are designed to bridge the gap between life-threatening situations and the restoration of health.
Life support refers to a range of medical interventions and equipment designed to maintain or replace vital bodily functions when they fail to operate independently. These interventions can be temporary, serving as a bridge to recovery, or long-term, providing support for chronic conditions. Life support systems are primarily used in intensive care units (ICUs) and emergency rooms, serving patients with severe injuries, critical illnesses, or organ failure. The role of life support is that - to support life. Life support does not actively treat or cure a disease process.
There are multiple different types of life support. The selection of device depends on which organ system is failing. Some patients need multiple life support devices due to severe critical illness and multi organ failure.
1. Respiratory Support:
Ventilators: These mechanical devices assist patients in breathing by delivering oxygen to the lungs and removing carbon dioxide.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO): A technique that provides cardiac and respiratory support for patients with severe heart or lung failure. It temporarily oxygenates the blood outside the body, allowing the heart and lungs to rest and heal. There are two major configurations for ECMO. VV ECMO supports the lungs while VA ECMO supports both the circulatory system and the lungs.
2. Circulatory Support:
Intra-aortic Balloon Pump (IABP): A device inserted into the aorta to improve blood flow and cardiac function.
Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD): A device that supports the left ventricle of the heart in severe/end stage congestive heart failure. This device may be temporary or a permanent implanted device.
3. Renal Support:
Hemodialysis: A process that filters waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform their function adequately. In the ICU, many patient require continuous dialysis with a process called continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).
4. Nutritional Support:
Enteral Feeding: The administration of liquid nutrition through a tube directly into the stomach or small intestine when a patient is unable to consume food orally.
Parenteral Nutrition: The intravenous administration of nutrients, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, when the gastrointestinal tract cannot absorb them effectively.
Life support systems provide a lifeline to individuals facing critical health challenges, offering a chance at survival and recovery. These advanced medical interventions have revolutionized critical care medicine.
Do you want to learn more about life support? I have an entire playlist regarding Life Support on my YouTube Channel: The Intense MD.
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