WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s ECMO Program receives national recognition

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Program has been designated as a Gold Level Center of Excellence by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO).  

“This is a wonderful honor for our ECMO program,” Frank Casey, M.D., Program medical director, said. “ELSO celebrates the highest-achieving ECMO programs in the world and shows our commitment to state-of-the-art, high-quality healthcare.” 

ECMO supports failing organ systems in infants, children, and adults. It is one of the most advanced forms of life support available to patients experiencing acute failure of the cardio-respiratory system. It allows time for the patient’s lungs or heart to heal by using a heart-lung machine to oxygenate the blood outside the body.  

A Gold Level Excellence in Life Support Award recognizes programs worldwide that have the processes, procedures, and systems in place to provide exceptional care. Hospitals that receive this award demonstrate high-quality standards, have specialized equipment and defined patient protocols, and provide advanced education to all staff members. 

“Our team has not only shown excellence in clinical care of ECMO patients, but also developed advanced simulation trainings for staff, participated in international ECMO conferences, conducted research, and developed a support structure for patients and their families,” Dr. Casey said.  

ELSO previously recognized WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s in 2023 as a Silver Level Center on the Path to Excellence in Life Support.  

“This honor was only possible because of the dedication of our entire team,” Casey said. “That includes more than 100 physicians, surgeons, perfusionists, ECMO specialists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists, and social workers working together to care for these patients.”   

For more information on the ECMO Program and the WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Heart Center, visit WVUKids.com/Heart.