ECMO LIFE SUPPORT
MECHANICAL CIRCULATORY SUPPORT
MECHANICAL CIRCULATORY SUPPORT
UAB Medicine is a leader in the use of mechanical circulatory support( MCS) devices. Our durable 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 840 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 77.6 %. UAB’ s 5-year survival is 72.2 % compared to the INTERMACS 5-year survival of 59 %. 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 to be Awarded Disease-Specific Care Certification for Ventricular Assist Devices by The Joint Commission
Extracorporeal Life Support Organization( ELSO) Designated 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
ECMO VOLUME BY SUPPORT TYPE
16 UAB Cardiovascular Institute 2025 Annual Report