ECMO is a support modality that buys time. During that time ,the patient can be treated. If the patient recovers, ECMO has provided a bridge to recovery. If treatment fails, or if no treatment is available and recovery is not expected, ECMO provides a bridge to further treatment or support. Patients with cardiac failure can be bridged to another device or to a heart transplant. Patients with respiratory failure can only be bridged to a lung transplant, as long-term support devices are not yet available