eCPR Program Gives Patients Fighting Chance after Cardiac Arrest
January 20, 2026
Hackensack University Medical Center’s extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program is growing, offering a comprehensive extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) program and providing leading-edge, lifesaving heart and lung support for critically ill patients across the region.
Hackensack University Medical Center is one of only a few hospitals in New Jersey to offer this specialized treatment option and is recognized as a Gold Level Center of Excellence in Life Support by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization.
In late 2024, Hackensack University Medical Center formally launched its eCPR Program. Composed of a team of emergency medical technicians (EMTs), emergency department physicians, cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, perfusionists, intensivists and specialized nurses, the eCPR program provides the advanced devices and infrastructure necessary to deliver hope for patients in the community who experience sudden cardiac arrest and for whom the conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has failed to restore heart function.
By using ECMO to temporarily take over the functions of the heart and lungs and to circulate oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, eCPR gives the care team precious time to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of cardiac arrest, potentially preventing a tragic outcome.
Studies show that eCPR can significantly increase the chances of survival with good neurological function for patients experiencing cardiac arrest, especially when initiated early in the appropriate candidates.
“The launch of the eCPR Program at Hackensack University Medical Center reinforces our commitment to providing the highest quality care for our community,” said Joseph P. Underwood, M.D., MHCDS, FACEP, chief medical officer of Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center. “We believe that everyone deserves a fighting chance, and this program empowers us to give patients the gift of time — and potentially, the gift of life.”
Learn more about innovative heart and vascular care at Hackensack University Medical Center.
If you are a patient looking for expert cardiovascular care at Hackensack Meridian Health, please visit our heart service page to learn about our specialties, find locations, and schedule appointments.