Cochrane: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a form of life support that targets the heart and lungs. For patients with severe lung failure, ECMO provides extracorporeal gas exchange. For those with severe heart failure or cardiac arrest, ECMO (extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR)) provides gas exchange and systemic blood circulation. Use of ECMO is associated with several risks (e.g. bleeding, clot formation).