Tyler, Texas (October 2, 2024) — UT Health East Texas is proud to announce the launch of its Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) program, a cutting-edge life support system that offers critically ill patients a vital chance at recovery when conventional treatments fail.
ECMO is an advanced technology used to support patients whose heart and lungs are unable to function properly on their own due to severe conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, cardiac failure or severe infections. By temporarily taking over the functions of the heart and lungs, ECMO allows these vital organs to rest and heal.
“We are thrilled to introduce ECMO as part of our comprehensive critical care services,” said Donald Baker, UT Health East Texas market president. “This state-of-the-art technology enables us to provide the highest level of care to patients in our community, offering them a chance at recovery when all other options have been exhausted.”
UT Health East Texas is the first in the region to provide this life-saving treatment. Previously, East Texas patients needing ECMO had to be transferred to Dallas or Houston. Bringing ECMO technology to East Texas required a substantial commitment from the hospital system in terms of equipment, training for staff and multidisciplinary physician involvement.
“This treatment allows patients to receive the highest level of cardiac and pulmonary supportive care locally, rather than being transferred to a facility far from home to receive this cutting-edge therapy,” said Dr. Michael Lamanteer, UT Health East Texas chief medical officer.
The ECMO program at UT Health Tyler is staffed by a highly skilled team of physicians, nurses, and perfusionists who have undergone extensive training in the use of this complex technology. The addition of ECMO services reinforces UT Health East Texas’ commitment to providing advanced, life-saving care to patients in the region.
“ECMO is a game-changer for patients facing life-threatening conditions,” Dr. Lamanteer said. “Our team is dedicated to delivering expert care and ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.”
With the launch of this program, UT Health East Texas joins the ranks of leading medical centers across the country that offer ECMO as a critical care option, reflecting its ongoing investment in innovative treatments and patient-centered care.
“ECMO treatment in the East Texas region is a natural evolution of UT Health’s commitment to the highest levels of advanced clinical capabilities as well as academic development for medical residents,” said Dr. Matt Leveno, ICU medical director and chief of critical care medicine. “We’re proud to be bringing this lifesaving technology to East Texas.”