The Technology

Rhode Island Hospital’s ECMO system represents a new option for patients whose heart and/or lungs are failing despite other treatment methods. It works by forcing the patient’s blood through an artificial membrane that infuses oxygen, removes CO2 and monitors critical blood parameters, including venous oxygen saturation, hemoglobin, hematocrit and arterial and venous blood temperature. It has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to provide cardiac and/or respiratory support for up to six hours.

This ECMO technology is a life-saving option for patients who have not responded to other respiratory therapies, and can make a crucial difference for the most critical cases.

Our ECMO system is the smallest portable heart-lung support system available in the world, and is the first cardiopulmonary support system cleared for both ground and air transportation. Weighing approximately 22 pounds and the size of a suitcase, it is light enough to be carried by one person and compact enough to be transported in a helicopter or ambulance. Thus, it could potentially be used to stabilize critical patients on site, for safer transport to the hospital.