ECMO Services

Welcome to our hospital’s Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) services. We are proud to offer this advanced technology to support patients with life-threatening respiratory or cardiac failure. Our experienced ECMO team includes specially trained physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists who work together to provide the highest level of care to our patients.

What is ECMO?

ECMO is a treatment that uses a machine to do the work of the heart and lungs when they are unable to function properly. It involves the use of a pump that circulates blood through a special membrane that adds oxygen to the blood and removes carbon dioxide, just like the lungs would do. This allows the heart and lungs to rest and recover while the ECMO machine supports the patient's breathing and circulation.

Our ECMO Services

At our hospital, we offer a range of ECMO services for both adults and children. Our services include:

• Venovenous ECMO (VV ECMO): This type of ECMO supports patients with respiratory failure by taking blood from a vein and returning it to another vein after passing through the ECMO machine.

• Venoarterial ECMO (VA ECMO): This type of ECMO supports patients with cardiac failure by taking blood from a vein and returning it to an artery after passing through the ECMO machine.

• Extracorporeal Carbon Dioxide Removal (ECCO2R): This technique is similar to ECMO, but it is designed to remove excess carbon dioxide from the blood. It can be used as a standalone therapy or in combination with ECMO.

Our ECMO team includes highly trained and experienced pulmonologists, intensivists, CTVS surgeons, nurses, perfusionists and respiratory therapists who are dedicated to providing the highest level of care to our patients. Our team members have completed advanced training in ECMO and are equipped with the latest technology to provide the best possible care to our patients. We work collaboratively with other medical specialists to ensure that our patients receive the most comprehensive care possible.

Some of the conditions that we diagnose and treat with ECMO:

• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): ARDS is a severe lung condition that causes fluid to build up in the air sacs of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. ECMO may be used to support patients with severe ARDS who are not responding to conventional treatments.
• Pulmonary Fibrosis: Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition where lung parenchyma is replaced by fibrous tissue, making it difficult to breathe. ECMO may be used to support patients with severe pulmonary fibrosis who are not responding to conventional treatments.
• Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an infection that can cause inflammation and damage to the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. ECMO may be used to support patients with severe pneumonia who are not responding to conventional treatments.
• Asthma/COPD: Asthma/COPD is a chronic lung condition that can cause inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. In rare cases, ECMO may be used to support patients with severe asthma who are not responding to conventional treatments.

Why Choose Our ECMO Services?

At our hospital, we are committed to providing exceptional care to our patients. Our ECMO services are delivered by a team of experienced professionals who are dedicated to providing the highest level of care possible. We use the latest technology and equipment to ensure that our patients receive the best possible treatment, and we work closely with our patients and their families to ensure that they understand their treatment options and the care they receive.

We are also a centre for lung and heart transplantation to support irreversibly damaged lungs with transplant options. We have one of the most experienced teams across the country in thoracic organ transplantation.

If you or someone you love is in need of ECMO services, please contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced ECMO specialists. We are here to provide the best possible care to our patients and to support them on their journey to recovery.