Mechanical cardiopulmonary support is most commonly applied intraoperatively to facilitate cardiac surgery (ie, cardiopulmonary bypass). Although far less common, prolonged cardiopulmonary support delivered in an intensive care unit is also possible. It is called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), extracorporeal life support, or extracorporeal lung assist. There are two types of ECMO — venoarterial (VA) and venovenous (VV). Both provide respiratory support, but only VA ECMO provides hemodynamic support.