CHOP’s Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Program Recognized for Excellence
Published on in CHOP News
Published on in CHOP News
The ECMO Program at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is one of the most active in the country, and has supported more than 1,000 patients since it was established in 1990.
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Program has received the “Award for Excellence in Extracorporeal Life Support” from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO), an international consortium of centers offering ECMO for support of failing organ systems in infants, children and adults.
The ECMO Program at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is one of the most active in the country, and has supported more than 1,000 patients since it was established in 1990. The program’s multidisciplinary team is comprised of pediatric surgeons, neonatologists, intensivists, perfusionists, specially trained nurses and respiratory therapists.
ECMO is a treatment used for patients with life-threatening heart or lung problems. It provides breathing and heart support to patients for days to weeks while doctors treat their underlying illness.
The designation as a Center of Excellence in Life Support recognizes ECMO programs worldwide that distinguish themselves by having processes, procedures and systems in place that promote excellence and exceptional care in extracorporeal life support. The ELSO Award signifies to patients and families a commitment to exceptional patient care. It also demonstrates to the health care community an assurance of high quality standards, specialized equipment and supplies, defined patient protocols, and advanced education of all staff members.
Learn more about CHOP’s ECMO Program.