Our Services

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

Description of Services

The Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) service is part of the Perfusion Services Department and the Division of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery. Medical direction of ECMO services is a combined effort closely coordinated among Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine and Pediatric Surgery.

The ECMO program has supported patients with complex heart and lung problems since 1979. Children’s ECMO expertise was recognized with an “Excellence in Life Support Award” in October 2009 from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization.

Following referral and transport, patients are placed on ECMO support when the need is indicated and are cared for jointly by Critical Care Medicine and appropriate surgical staff. Following a period of ECMO support, patients are returned to the referring physician as soon as medically feasible. Provisions exist for routine simultaneous support of multiple patients. A large group of specially trained ECMO technicians is available for continuous bedside perfusion management. Linear post-ECMO follow-up is an integral part of the service.

Referral Requirements

For critical care specialty transport, referring physicians may contact Children's ECMO transport team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-877-PEDS-HRT (733-7478).

For more information about ECMO services at Children's Hospital, please contact Pefusion Services at 412-692-5218.