Conditions We Treat

extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

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Our ECMO Program involves the expertise of multiple specialists. To learn more about our services, call 310-206-6717. To refer a patient, call 310-794-9805.

The UCLA ECMO team dedicates its services to three patient groups: adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients.

UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital has a dedicated neonatal/pediatric transport team that is composed of a RN (Registered Nurse), RT (Respiratory Therapist), two perfusionists and two EMTs. The team is available on call 24/7 and is capable and experienced in ECLS transports by ground and fixed-wing ambulances.

Pediatric patients requiring inpatient rehabilitation are identified by occupational, speech, and physical therapists. These patients are referred to Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital has a developmental pediatric specialist on staff.

For information on Pediatric patients concerning ECLS please visit the Pediatric ECMO/VAD website.

The following types of patients can require ECMO treatment:

  • Severe acute lung injury due to aspiration, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or long-term chronic lung disease (pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) who are not responding to the usual breathing treatments (ventilators), medicine and extra oxygen support and can also include:
  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
  • H1N1 Influenza A respiratory failure
  • Aspiration pneumonia
  • Sepsis-related ARDS
  • Pneumonia (viral, bacterial, atypical)
  • Pancreatitis with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)
  • Drowning
  • Burns (smoke inhalation)
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Rescue therapy for a failed lung transplant or as a bridge to lung transplant
  • Refractory cardiac failure – either before or after cardiac surgery
  • Cardiogenic shock any cause except sepsis
  • Acute myocardial infarction
  • Refractory arrhythmia
  • Myocarditis
  • Post-partum cardiomyopathy
  • Pulmonary embolus
  • Post-cardiotomy failure
  • Acute or chronic heart failure
  • Post-transplant organ failure
  • Hypothermic arrest
  • Bridge to ventricular assist device (VAD) or transplants

For assistance in facilitating transfers to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, contact the UCLA Health Transfer Center at 310-825-0909


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