Objective　To introduce the application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in treatment of pediatric cardiopulmonary failure. Methods The clinical data of pediatric patients with cardiopulmonary failure who received ECMO support from June 2012 to October 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Results A total of 24 children with cardiopulmonary failure received ECMO support including 18 male and 6 female aged from 1 day to 7 years old with weight between 3-20 kg. There were 15 cases who successfully weaned from ECMO (62.5%) and 10 cases survived and discharged (42.7%). 14 patients died. Among them, 9 patients died of unsuccessful weaning from ECMO, 3 patients died of complications and 2 patients died of giving up treatment after weaning from ECMO. Complications were found in 11 cases (45.8%) during ECMO support. Conclusions ECMO can provide effective support for pediatric patients with refractory cardiopulmonary failure.