Specialists at Ascension Seton in Central Texas, deliver advanced care for adults with heart failure using ECMO.
Specialists at Ascension Seton in Central Texas, deliver advanced care for adults with heart failure using ECMO.
The extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program and experienced care teams at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin provide advanced care for patients who have life-threatening lung and heart conditions, including severe heart and respiratory failure, and who are critically ill.
Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin is recognized as a Gold Level Center of Excellence by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization, reflecting our commitment to high-quality ECMO care delivered through a high-volume, experienced program.
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.
ECMO is used when:
A surgeon places one or more plastic tubes, called a cannula, into large blood vessels 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 your machine 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:
Our ECMO-trained specialists deliver advanced care for complex heart and lung conditions, including:
Respiratory failure
Early consultation with the ECMO care team can help physicians know when to refer patients to an ECMO program. A transfer may be recommended for patients who have received appropriate medical management and meet criteria for ECMO. For patient transfers, call the Ascension Seton Transfer Center at 512-324-3515.
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:
Refer a patient by calling 512-681-0500.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.
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