ECMO LIFE SUPPORT
MECHANICAL CIRCULATORY SUPPORT
MECHANICAL CIRCULATORY SUPPORT
UAB Medicine is a leader in the use of mechanical circulatory support ( MCS ) devices . Our ventricular assist device ( VAD ) program began in 1989 with the first implantation of a pneumatic extracorporeal device as a bridge to heart transplant . Since 2000 , more than 750 such devices have been implanted at UAB , as both destination therapy and as a bridge to transplant for patients with refractory end-stage heart disease . UAB ’ s two-year survival rate consistently exceeds the Intermacs benchmark of 71 %. The program holds The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for meeting required standards and performance measures since 2008 .
UAB ’ s long history of clinical research focusing on survival , functional status , and quality of life fosters a continual assessment of the evolving technology and promotes optimal patient outcomes . With the inception of our total artificial heart program in 2016 , UAB provides the full range of durable technologies to support the failing heart , as well as short-term ( nondurable ) devices as bridges to myocardial recovery .
Only program in Alabama awarded Disease-Specific Care Certification for ventricular assist devices by The Joint Commission
Extracorporeal Life Support Organization ( ELSO ) Gold Level Center of Excellence
ECMO LIFE SUPPORT
UAB ’ s extracorporeal membrane oxygenation ( ECMO ) service is part of an institutional MCS program . Our ECMO program supports more than 150 patients annually and serves as a regional referral center for end-stage heart and lung failure . In addition to pursuing advanced research initiatives focused on therapies to support failing organ systems , the program is an active center for both bridge-to-organ recovery and organ transplantation .
UAB ’ s ECMO program features a multidisciplinary team of highly trained and dedicated providers that includes cardiac surgeons , cardiac intensivists , pulmonologists , advanced practitioners , registered nurses , perfusionists , quality improvement specialists , physical and respiratory therapists , wound care specialists , dietitians , social workers , and others who work together to deliver patient-centered care . A mobile ECMO team is available to provide timely transportation of patients currently receiving ECMO therapy at another facility .
Since 2016 , UAB has been a recipient of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization ( ELSO ) Gold Level Center of Excellence award . This award recognizes ECMO programs worldwide that distinguish themselves by establishing processes , procedures , quality measures , and systems that promote excellence and exceptional care .
SHORT-TERM AND DURABLE VAD VOLUME 2020-2022
ECMO VOLUME BY SUPPORT TYPE 2020-2022
16 UAB Cardiovascular Institute 2023 Annual Report