BSWH Transplant Annual Report 2016 ACHC_639_2017_AnnualReport_JO_PROOF8 | Page 35

EXTRA CORPOREAL LIFE SUPPORT
EXTRA CORPOREAL LIFE SUPPORT
For some patients with advanced heart and lung disease, transplantation offers the best chance for survival. Many patients, however, are too sick to undergo surgery. Recognizing this, Baylor Dallas has continue to develop and expand the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation( ECMO) program. ECMO is a miniaturized heart-lung machine that removes the patient’ s blood, infuses it with oxygen, removes carbon dioxide and returns the patient’ s blood in a continuous cycle.
The ECMO team at Baylor Dallas specializes in bringing this sophisticated bridge-to-decision technology to the sickest patients. It stabilizes the patient and provides the team with time to determine the best course of action. Some patients recover organ function, while others receive transplants or more long-term mechanical support.
A total of 114 patients— 53 cardiac and 61 pulmonary— received ECMO support in 2016, making the Baylor Dallas program one of the busiest in the nation. These high volumes have been sustained over the past several years, giving the Baylor Dallas staff an opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and expertise in the care of patients who are often among the sickest.
“ The ECMO program at Baylor Dallas supports patients with the most severe degree of critical illness,” said Patrick Aguilar, MD, medical director of ECMO.“ When less invasive means of support have failed, ECMO allows for oxygenated blood to be circulated around the body while we work to solve the underlying problem. This takes patients in circumstances with very high mortality and gives them a better chance at survival.”
53 ECMO cardiac patients in 2016
61 ECMO pulmonary patients in 2016
Based on early 2017 patient volumes, the program is on track to continue supporting high volumes of ECMO patients and patient transports. Through a collaboration with CareFlite for helicopter and fixed wing capabilities, Baylor Dallas is the only North Texas health care facility offering transportation for adult patients on ECMO. Through partnerships with regional hospitals, the Baylor Dallas ECMO team enables critically ill patients to quickly access advanced life support technology. Beyond the program’ s clinical aims, the Baylor Dallas team was actively involved in research and community education endeavors in 2016. Team members and physicians associated with the program have also had several articles on aspects of ECMO published in national medical journals.
“ Managing the high volume ECMO program isn’ t easy,” said John Manos, CCP, LP, director of perfusion services.“ Based on our commitment, collaborative spirit and expertise gained over the past several years, we’ re getting good at it. We’ re blessed to have excellent physician leadership and a topnotch team of professionals, so we’ re able to offer the advanced of care possible to area residents.”
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