One form of ECMO temporarily takes over the work of the heart and lungs, removing blood from the right side of the heart, passing it through a special membrane to remove carbon dioxide and add oxygen, then returning it to the body on the left side of the heart. A second form of ECMO temporarily takes over the work of only the lungs, removing and returning blood to the right side of the heart. Specialists at University of Minnesota Health Heart Care have long been pioneers in the treatment of heart diseases. Our team of intensivists, cardiologists, surgeons, ECMO specialists, nurses and other medical specialists combine advanced technologies with compassionate care to treat your condition.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
Your physicians may suggest the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation – or ECMO – to support your cardiac or respiratory function if you have an acute injury or illness that is reversible. It will enable your heart or lungs to recover, or extend your life while waiting for a heart or lung transplant. ECMO is not for long-term use.
Discover Our Difference
Our Care Team
Catherine M. Bendel, MD
Neonatologist
Melissa Brunsvold, MD, FACS
Critical Care Surgeon, Acute Care Surgeon
Jeffrey G. Chipman, MD
Surgeon, Surgical Intensivist
H. Tracy Davido, MD
Critical Care Surgeon, Surgeon, General and Critical Care Surgeon
Gwenyth Fischer, MD
Pediatrician
Thomas George, MD
Neonatologist
Caroline George, MD
Pediatric Critical Care Physician
Tate Gisslen, MD
Pediatrician, Neonatologist
Sixto F. Guiang, MD
Neonatologist
Sameer Gupta, MD
Pediatric Critical Care Physician
Janet R. Hume, MD, PhD
Pediatrician
Ranjit John, MD
Cardiovascular Surgeon
Rosemary Kelly, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Kenneth K. Liao, MD, PhD
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Ashley Loomis, MD
Pediatric Critical Care Physician
Jennifer Needle, MD, MPH
Pediatrician
Erin Osterholm, MD
Neonatologist
Niyati Patel, MD
Pediatrician
Sara Ramel, MD
Neonatologist
Raghavendra B. Rao, MD
Neonatologist
Kari D. Roberts, MD
Neonatologist
Miriam Shapiro, MD
Pediatric Critical Care Physician
Sara J. Shumway, MD
Cardiovascular Surgeon
Arif Somani, MD
Pediatric Critical Care Physician
Marie E. Steiner, MD, MS
Pediatric Hematologist