EXTRA CORPOREAL LIFE SUPPORT
EXTRA CORPOREAL LIFE SUPPORT
For some patients with advanced heart and lung disease , transplantation offers the best chance for survival . Many patients , however , are too sick to undergo surgery . Recognizing this , Baylor Dallas has continue to develop and expand the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation ( ECMO ) program . ECMO is a miniaturized heart-lung machine that removes the patient ’ s blood , infuses it with oxygen , removes carbon dioxide and returns the patient ’ s blood in a continuous cycle .
The ECMO team at Baylor Dallas specializes in bringing this sophisticated bridge-to-decision technology to the sickest patients . It stabilizes the patient and provides the team with time to determine the best course of action . Some patients recover organ function , while others receive transplants or more long-term mechanical support .
A total of 114 patients — 53 cardiac and 61 pulmonary — received ECMO support in 2016 , making the Baylor Dallas program one of the busiest in the nation . These high volumes have been sustained over the past several years , giving the Baylor Dallas staff an opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and expertise in the care of patients who are often among the sickest .
“ The ECMO program at Baylor Dallas supports patients with the most severe degree of critical illness ,” said Patrick Aguilar , MD , medical director of ECMO . “ When less invasive means of support have failed , ECMO allows for oxygenated blood to be circulated around the body while we work to solve the underlying problem . This takes patients in circumstances with very high mortality and gives them a better chance at survival .”
53 ECMO cardiac patients in 2016
61 ECMO pulmonary patients in 2016
Based on early 2017 patient volumes , the program is on track to continue supporting high volumes of ECMO patients and patient transports . Through a collaboration with CareFlite for helicopter and fixed wing capabilities , Baylor Dallas is the only North Texas health care facility offering transportation for adult patients on ECMO . Through partnerships with regional hospitals , the Baylor Dallas ECMO team enables critically ill patients to quickly access advanced life support technology . Beyond the program ’ s clinical aims , the Baylor Dallas team was actively involved in research and community education endeavors in 2016 . Team members and physicians associated with the program have also had several articles on aspects of ECMO published in national medical journals .
“ Managing the high volume ECMO program isn ’ t easy ,” said John Manos , CCP , LP , director of perfusion services . “ Based on our commitment , collaborative spirit and expertise gained over the past several years , we ’ re getting good at it . We ’ re blessed to have excellent physician leadership and a topnotch team of professionals , so we ’ re able to offer the advanced of care possible to area residents .”
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