Practical Considerations for and Outcomes of Interfacility ECMO Transfer of Patients With COVID-19 During a Pandemic: Mayo Clinic Experience.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes · 2021-03-03 · Case report
Abstract
Interfacility transport of a critically ill patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may be necessary for a higher level of care or initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). During the COVID-19 pandemic, ECMO has been used for patients with severe ARDS with successful results. Transporting a patient after ECMO cannulation by the receiving facility brings forth logistic challenges, including availability of adequate personal protective equipment for the transport team and hospital capacity management issues. We report our designated ECMO transport team's experience of 5 patients with COVID-19-associated severe ARDS after cannulation at the referring facility. Focusing on transport-associated logistics, creation of checklists, and collaboration with emergency medical services partners is necessary for safe and good outcomes for patients while maintaining team safety.
Abstract © the authors or publisher, via PubMed. Reuse and removal
Tags
Checklists & cognitive aids · Communication & handover · Interagency collaboration · ECMO & mechanical circulatory support · Interfacility & critical care transport · COVID-19 pandemic
Related articles
- Safety of transport and retrieval of patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during the peak of COVID-19 pandemic in the State of Qatar (Journal of emergency medicine, trauma & acute care, 2021)
- Impacts and Lessons Learned of the First Three COVID-19 Waves on Cross-Border Collaboration in the Field of Emergency Medical Services and Interhospital Transports in the Euregio-Meuse-Rhine: A Qualitative Review of Expert Opinions. (Front Public Health, 2022)
- Air Medical Transport of Patients Diagnosed With Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection Undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Case Review and Lessons Learned. (Air Med J, 2021)
- Factors Associated with Transport Instability and Outcome Deterioration During Interhospital Intensive Care Transfers of Patients with COVID-19 in Germany. (J Clin Med, 2026)
- Interhospital Transportation of Pediatric Patients Undergoing Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VV ECMO) Support-A 3-Year Regional Experience. (Pediatr Rep, 2026)
- Transfer of Veno-venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients With COVID-19 Associated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. (ASAIO J, 2023)