Care for heart and lung failure with ECMO

Specialists at Ascension Seton in Central Texas deliver advanced care for heart and lung failure using ECMO.
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Specialists at Ascension Seton in Central Texas specialize in extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy. This advanced technology is used to temporarily provide respiratory support and blood circulation– allowing your lungs and heart to rest while they are recovering from illness or injury. ECMO may also be used while you are waiting for a heart or lung transplant. This machine maintains blood flow and oxygen to vital organs, like the brain, kidneys and liver. 

When you choose Ascension Seton for your care, have confidence knowing you are connected to advanced care and a team of doctors in a range of specialties. We start by listening to you, to better understand you and your health. Then, we deliver highly personalized care. If you have a severe lung or heart illness or injury, ECMO may be part of your care plan. 

ECMO is used when:

  • Your heart can’t pump blood to all the parts of your body
  • Your lungs cannot provide enough oxygen to the body, even when given extra oxygen 
  • Your lungs cannot get rid of carbon dioxide, even with help from a mechanical ventilator
  • You are waiting for a ventricular assist device (heart pump) or heart or lung transplant 

Care teams specialized in ECMO

ECMO trained specialists deliver advanced care for complex heart and lung conditions. Your care team may include cardiovascular surgeons, intensive care physicians, intensive care nurses, respiratory therapists, hospitalists, perfusionists and more. Working together, we provide advanced care for:

  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome
  • Bacterial pneumonia or viral infection
  • Heart attack
  • Heart failure 
  • Lung failure
  • Post cardiotomy and cardiogenic shock
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Ruptured lung
  • Traumatic lung and heart injuries 

Frequently asked questions 

  • How does ECMO work?
    A surgeon places one or more plastic tubes, called a cannula, into large veins in your chest, neck or groin. The ECMO pump circulates your blood through the machine’s artificial lung, or oxygenator. Carbon dioxide is removed from the blood and oxygen is added. As oxygenated blood leaves the oxygenator, it is warmed before returning to your body.
  • What happens while on ECMO?
    A member of your care team is with you 24/7 to monitor you and provide care. Your doctor uses blood tests, X-rays and other tests to make sure you are responding well to your treatment.
  • Are there different types of ECMO?

    There are two types of ECMO support:

    • Venoarterial ECMO (VA ECMO) is used when the heart and lungs need support. The blood leaves the body from a vein, receives oxygen and is returned through an artery. This allows your heart and lungs to rest and recover.
    • Venovenous ECMO (VV ECMO) is used for lung support when the heart is still working well. The blood leaves the body from a vein, receives oxygen and is returned through the same vein or another vein. This allows the lungs to rest and recover.
  • Can you be awake on ECMO?
    Yes. Depending on your health, your care team may choose to keep you awake while on ECMO support. This allows you to participate in occupational and physical therapy to help build your strength and speed your recovery. Your safety is our priority, so your care team will only keep you awake if they can ensure your safety while on ECMO.
  • Referring a patient for ECMO

    Your patients and their families can expect compassionate, personalized care from the moment our specialists connect with them. Our specialists start by listening to fully understand their needs and develop an individualized care plan.

    Knowing when to refer your patient to an ECMO center can be challenging. Early consultation with an ECMO center can help you know when to refer your patient for ECMO. A transfer may be needed when a patient who has received appropriate medical management meets one or more of the following:

    • SBP < 90mmHg or vasopressor support to maintain SBP > 90mmHg
    • Evidence of end-organ damage (UO < 30ml/hr or cool extremities)
    • Hemodynamic criteria: CI < 2.2 and PCWP > 15mmHg
    • PaO2:FiO2 < 80mmHg for > 6hrs
    • PaO2:FiO2 < 50mmHg for > 3hrs
    • pH < 7.25 with PaCO2 ≥ 60mmHg for > 6hrs

    Refer a patient - 512-681-0500

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