Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

MCG Children’s Medical Center is a pioneer in ECMO technology and was home to the southeast’s first ECMO program for children in 1985. ECMO, which stands for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, is a treatment for critically ill children that keeps the heart and lungs working by providing oxygen to the blood. ECMO can act as an artificial heart and lung for a period of days up to two weeks while a child’s lungs recover.

Today, MCG Children’s Medical Center offers the region’s only pediatric ECMO program with two lifesaving systems and a team of ECMO specialists. Since the program began, our team has cared for more than 300 children.

Our team of experts understands the unique needs of critically ill pediatric patients and has special training in critical care and ECMO technology. ECMO therapy can be complicated and stressful for families. Because we believe in family-centered care, we take time to explain the ECMO program, answer questions, and help patients and families understand every aspect of treatment.

For more information on the MCG Children’s Medical Center ECMO program, call (706) 721-KIDS.