A massive overdose of a calcium channel blocker can result in cardiovascular collapse which can be treated using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy.
Manifestations of massive overdose:
(1) severe refractory hypotension/shock
(2) hypoxic respiratory failure
(3) cardiac failure secondary to cardiotoxicity
ECMO may be veno-venous or veno-arterial.
ECMO is considered when there is evidence of a massive overdose AND organ failures are refractory to aggressive therapy.
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