ECMO Program at Hackensack Meridian Health

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Program in New Jersey

At Hackensack Meridian Health, our Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Program (ECMO) provides leading-edge, lifesaving heart and lung support for critically ill patients. ECMO is available at Hackensack University Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

As one of the most comprehensive ECMO programs in the region, we are committed to advancing care through clinical excellence, cross collaboration, and innovation.

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For Healthcare Professionals: ECMO Referrals

Hackensack University Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center serve as a regional ECMO referral and retrieval center. Learn more about referring a patient.

Thoracic and Pulmonary Care

We provide the full spectrum of lung care – from medication management to complex surgical interventions. Learn more.

What is ECMO?

ECMO is a life support treatment that takes over the work of the heart and lungs when they are too sick or injured to function independently. The treatment uses a machine to pump blood out of the body, add oxygen, remove carbon dioxide, and then return the blood to the patient. This gives the heart and lungs time to rest and heal.

ECMO is used in critical care situations, such as severe lung failure, heart failure, or after cardiac arrest.

Conditions We Treat With ECMO

ECMO is used to treat various conditions that affect heart and lung function. Some of the most common conditions we use ECMO to treat include:

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): This life-threatening condition occurs when inflammation and fluid in the lungs cause low oxygen levels
Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: Those with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure have low blood oxygen levels because their lungs can’t provide enough oxygen to the body. It is caused by lung conditions such as pneumonia or COPD.
Acute hypercapnic respiratory failure: This condition leads to dangerously high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood and can also cause low blood oxygen. It can be caused by COPD, pneumonia and conditions affecting the nerves and muscles.
Cardiogenic shock: This life-threatening condition occurs when the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s demand. It can result from a heart attack or other heart conditions.
Refractory cardiac arrest (eCPR): Refractory cardiac arrest occurs when your heart stops beating despite resuscitative efforts such as CPR and the use of a defibrillator.
Massive pulmonary embolism: This dangerous condition occurs when a blood clot blocks pulmonary arteries and blood flow to the lungs.
Myocarditis or post-cardiotomy syndrome: Both conditions involve inflammation of the heart. Myocarditis is caused by viral infections and autoimmune diseases, and post-cardiotomy syndrome is caused by heart trauma and surgery.
Bridge to heart and/or lung transplant or a bridge to a durable mechanical support: In some cases, ECMO may be used for life-sustaining purposes before a heart and lung transplant or implantation of a long-term device to support heart function.

Patient Success Stories

Read inspiring stories from patients who are living life to the fullest thanks to Hackensack Meridian Health heart and lung experts.

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62-year-old Survives Heart Attack and Complete Artery Blockage

The cardiac team at Jersey Shore University Medical Center restored Anthony Lucia's stunned circulatory and respiratory systems after a major heart attack.

Post-COVID Rehabilitation Helps Motorcyclist Get His Recovery on Track

Post-COVID Rehabilitation: Wildwood man recovers strength and mobility after severe COVID-19. JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute offers expert care. Call 800-822-8905.

Oradell Woman Has Major Heart Attack

One day, Manisha Mehta was given a clean bill of health. The next, she was fighting for her life.

Man, 61, Makes Complete COVID-19 Recovery After 39 Days on a Ventilator

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Frequently Asked Questions About ECMO

What is ECMO?

ECMO stands for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and is classified under the general category of ECLS (Extracorporeal Life Support). It is an advanced therapy that uses a machine to temporarily take over the work of the heart and/or the lungs when these organs are too sick to function. ECMO gives these organs the much-needed rest, allowing them time to heal.

There are 2 types of ECMO, depending on the patient's specific needs. Veno-arterial (VA) ECMO is used to provide heart and lung support, also known as the cardiac ECMO (even though the lungs are also supported). Veno-venous (VV) ECMO, otherwise known as the respiratory ECMO, is used to provide lung support. Based on your loved one’s clinical condition, the ECMO team will decide which type of ECMO to use.

When is ECMO needed?

Certain life-threatening conditions can result in heart and/or lung failure that may not respond to medication and the breathing machine (ventilator). ECMO is considered when the patient has a severe but potentially reversible heart or lung condition and other life-support measures have been exhausted. Reasons to consider putting a patient on ECMO include the patient’s specific condition, the potential for recovery and how well they can tolerate the therapy.

Is ECMO a cure?

ECMO is a life-saving measure for life-threatening conditions, but it is not a cure. The therapy temporarily supports the failing heart and/or lungs when they are too sick to work on their own, and while the underlying reasons for the illness are being investigated and treated. It gives the body additional time and opportunity to heal on its own. The goal is for the patient’s heart and/or lungs to recover enough so they can function independently again.

What to expect when a loved one is on ECMO?

Having a loved one on ECMO support can be very stressful and overwhelming. Your loved one will most likely be on a breathing machine and placed in a medically induced coma to facilitate healing and comfort. Time on ECMO can range from days to weeks, and even months, depending on how quickly the heart and/or lungs respond to the treatment and recover from the underlying illness. The ECMO care team will update you on the goals of care, involve you in decision-making and address your questions and concerns in a timely manner.

Who takes care of a patient on ECMO?

An ECMO patient is cared for in the intensive care unit by a team of highly trained ECMO clinicians, including surgeons, critical care intensivists, heart failure specialists, pulmonologists, advanced practice providers, ICU nurses, respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapists, speech therapists, and other specialty consults. ECMO is managed in specialized centers with the expertise, resources, and experience to provide safe, high-quality care.

What are the risks of ECMO?

Like any other medical procedure or therapy, ECMO has risks. It is an invasive and complex procedure that comes with significant risks and complications. The most common risks are bleeding, stroke, blood clot formation, infection, and even mechanical problems with the ECMO machine itself. The use of ECMO is a decision made after considering that the potential benefits outweigh the risks and complications. ECMO is only used as a last resort when other life support options have failed, and the patient’s condition is potentially reversible. The ECMO care team constantly monitors the patient and the machine to minimize and prevent these complications.

How can you best support a loved one who is placed on ECMO?

Family and loved ones play an important role in the care of ECMO patients. We want you to be part of the care team. But it’s important to also take care of yourself while your loved one is being placed on ECMO. The ECMO care team will provide safe, high-quality care as we partner with you to care for your loved one. We encourage you to participate in the daily rounds to ask your questions and discuss the goals of care. Should you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to approach our caring staff, who will gladly address these concerns.

Patient Resources

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When Should You Get a Lung Cancer Screening?

Lung Cancer Screening: Learn when a low-dose CT scan is right for you. Dr. Rizk explains who should be screened and why. Schedule your appointment today.

Causes of Heart Inflammation

Understand heart inflammation causes. Dr. Hollenberg explains myocarditis, pericarditis, and endocarditis. Learn about prevention and treatment. Call 800-822-8905.

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What Causes Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers?

Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers: Learn about risk factors from Dr. Spallone at Palisades Medical Center. Reduce your risk & discuss concerns with your doctor.

ECMO Program at Hackensack Meridian Health

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Program in New Jersey

For Healthcare Professionals: ECMO Referrals

Thoracic and Pulmonary Care

What is ECMO?

Conditions We Treat With ECMO

62-year-old Survives Heart Attack and Complete Artery Blockage

Post-COVID Rehabilitation Helps Motorcyclist Get His Recovery on Track

Oradell Woman Has Major Heart Attack

Man, 61, Makes Complete COVID-19 Recovery After 39 Days on a Ventilator

Frequently Asked Questions About ECMO

Are Heart Attacks Hereditary?

When Should You Get a Lung Cancer Screening?

Causes of Heart Inflammation

What Causes Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers?

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