Neonatal survival during a 2,500-mile flight

Neonatal respiratory failure, no matter what the cause, may not always respond to standard mechanical ventilation techniques. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has emerged over the last 15 years as an adjunct to the treatment of these babies with a greater than 80% survival nationwide. Limited resources and personnel costs can be prohibitive, forcing regionalization of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) centers. Geographic distance from a center should not limit its potential application, however. Familiarity with the technique, early application of the modality and the availability of medical air transport, allows for referral and transfer of neonates over great distances with excellent results and outcomes. We present a case of respiratory failure in a neonate transported 2,500 miles for ECMO therapy with an excellent outcome and a rapid return home.