CHLA Extracorporeal Membrance Oxygenation (ECMO) Program

In spite of advances in the treatment of respiratory failure in neonates, ECMO remains a life-saving surgical and medical treatment for neonates with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, respiratory failure due to severe, life-threatening infections of the blood and lungs (pneumonia) acquired during or immediately after delivery, or cardiovascular compromise necessitating support with lung and heart bypass.

The Childrens Hospital Los Angeles neonatal ECMO team consists of neonatologists, pediatric surgeons, perfusionists, ECMO nurse specialists, cardiologists, neuro-radiologists, as well as the CHLA transport team. Due to the complexity of the technique and the severity of the condition of the babies requiring ECMO support, there are 2 ECMO nurse specialists at the bedside of the patient 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. These specialists work under the close supervision of the neonatologists, pediatric surgeons and neonatal and surgical fellows.

Initiated in 1987, the ECMO Program at CHLA has had experience with over 650 newborns supported with ECMO. The program has remained the largest referal center in Southern California and surrounding states for the treatment of neonatal conditions requiring ECMO support.

For information on referrals for transfers to Childrens Hospital Los Angeles for ECMO support, please contact the neonatal intensive care physicians at the CHLA NICCU 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. The phone number is: (323) 669-2531.

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