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ECMO
Specialists at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola deliver advanced care for adults with heart and lung failure using ECMO.
ECMO in Pensacola
Specialists at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola deliver advanced care for adults with heart and lung failure using ECMO.
Why choose us
When you choose Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola for your heart care, your doctor is part of a nation-leading team with specialists who care for more hearts than any other health system in Florida.
About ECMO
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. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may also be used while you are waiting for a heart or lung transplant. This machine maintains blood flow and oxygen to organs, like the brain, kidneys and liver.
You care team will use ECMO 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
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Transfer your patient to an ECMO specialist
Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital provides ECMO support for adults across Northwest Florida. If you have a patient who might benefit from ECMO, our transfer center and ICU team provide consultation by phone and help arrange transport of your patient to the appropriate level of care.
Early consultation with an ECMO specialist can help you know when to refer your patient to an ECMO program. A transfer may be recommended for patients who have received appropriate medical management and meet 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 > 6 hours
- PaO2:FiO2 < 50mmHg for > 3 hours
- pH < 7.25 with PaCO2 ≥ 60mmHg for > 6 hours
For more information or to start a transfer, please call 866-512-2244.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.
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