Mobile Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Strike Team to Expand the Treatment of Cardiorespiratory Failure

Authors

Stephanie C. Mayberg, Virginia University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Cardiac Surgery

Advisor

Elyse Watkins, DHSc

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a therapy utilized to support patients with acute, potentially reversible, life-threatening cardiac or respiratory failure refractory to conventional therapy. The indications for ECMO therapy have continued to expand along with increasing numbers of patients treated with ECMO, however, ECMO remains a resource-intensive therapy. Outcomes data suggest that patient survival is impacted by center volume, with high-volume centers and specialty-trained teams having improved outcomes. ECMO may not be a treatment option for patients presenting to community hospitals without access to the resources necessary to initiate ECMO. The development of specialty-trained mobile strike teams may improve access to this life-saving therapy. Transportation of patients on ECMO has been shown to be feasible and safe, without significant differences in patient outcomes.

Recommended Citation

Mayberg SC. Mobile Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Strike Team to Expand the Treatment of Cardiorespiratory Failure. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2022; 4(3).