Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation - ECMO

After testing positive for Influenza B, Emmily worsened where she spent 10 weeks on ECMO, and 13 weeks in our PICU.

At just 7 years old, Joshua was in cardiac arrest. By 9, he had a successful heart transplant! His journey to his new heart wasn't easy, but thanks to his care team Joshua is thriving today.

Cuando Saida llevó a su hijo Joshua a Children’s Minnesota, pensó que solo tenía un fuerte caso de gripe. Sin embargo, nunca se imaginó que la situación se iba a convertir en algo que ningún padre desearía que ocurriera. Poco después de ingresar al hospital, Saida recibió la noticia de que su hijo de siete años iba a necesitar un nuevo corazón.

We talked with Dr. Lia Gravari, associate medical director of ECMO for the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Children’s Minnesota, about ECMO, how it helps save babies and the award-winning ECMO program at Children’s Minnesota.

Our ECMO team is available 24 hours a day for professional consultation, patient transport and provision of ECMO. For neonatal referrals, call 612-813-6295. For pediatric referrals, call 612-813-6266. Read more about our ECMO services:

If your child's heart and lungs aren't working, the first treatments typically include medicines and a ventilator — a machine to help your child breathe, which is connected to a breathing tube placed in your child's windpipe. Sometimes, however, those treatments alone aren't enough. That's when ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) may be considered, depending on your child's health and needs.

ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) is a lifesaving treatment for the most critically ill babies, children and teens. When your child's heart or lungs are unable to do their jobs, ECMO can take over temporarily with a mechanical blood pump and artificial lung. The treatment keeps blood flowing and carrying vital oxygen while your child's body has a chance to recover.