Interhospital transport of the patient on extracorporeal cardiopulmonary support

Portable extracorporeal cardiopulmonary support systems have enhanced the resuscitation and support of moribund patients outside of the operating room environment. The literature documents the successful application of emergency cardiopulmonary support within the hospital setting. Clinicians have reported the use of helicopter and ground ambulance to transport patients requiring intraaortic balloon counterpulsation and fixed-wing transport of neonates requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. As medical transport capabilities extend the sphere of tertiary care to outlying medical facilities, there is a role for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary support in the initial stabilization and safe transport of critically ill patients, via air or ground ambulance. Potentially, the early application of life-sustaining technology can lower mortality and morbidity in patients with a survivable pathology. This is a report on the experience with the resuscitation and interhospital transport of patients on extracorporeal cardiopulmonary support.