Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), as an extracorporeal life support technology, can provide respiratory support and hemodynamic support according to different modes. The significant advantages of ECMO in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome and the development of its oxygenator, pump, and heparin-coated circuits have promoted its application and exploration in thoracic surgery. ECMO can be used during the perioperative period of lung transplantation and can be applied for patients who cannot maintain one-lung ventilation, or have a high risk of anesthesia, or undergo complex thoracic surgery involving trachea, carina, mediastinum and esophagus. This article will review the application and progress of ECMO in general thoracic surgery.