Methodist Hospital
November 28, 2022

The ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) Program at Methodist Hospital received the Gold-Level Center of Excellence award from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO). The award honors centers that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to evidence-based processes and quality measures, staff training and continuing education, patient satisfaction, and ongoing clinical care.

A designated Center of Excellence has demonstrated extraordinary achievement in the following three categories:

  • Excellence in promoting the mission, activities, and vision of ELSO;
  • Excellence in patient care by using the highest quality measures, processes, and structures based upon evidence; and
  • Excellence in training, education, collaboration, and communication supporting ELSO guidelines that contributes to a healing environment for families, patients, and staff.

ECMO is one of the most advanced forms of life support for patients experiencing acute failure of the cardiac and respiratory systems. A pump circulates blood through a circuit of tubing supporting heart function and through an "oxygenator" which functions as an artificial lung. It is used when a patient is so critically ill that no other support is adequate. ECMO is also utilized as a bridge to treatment for patients requiring a heart or lung transplant.

"It is an honor to receive this award by such a distinguished organization as ELSO, not only because of the prestige of the Gold Level designation but more importantly, because it serves as a recognition of the dedication of our staff to exceptional quality and patient care on a daily basis,” said Jeffrey DellaVolpe, MD, ECMO Program Director, Methodist Hospital.

Methodist Hospital received the Gold-Level Center of Excellence Award in 2019. This award is valid for three-year intervals. 

ELSO is an international not-for-profit consortium of healthcare centers and individuals dedicated to the development, evaluation and improvement of ECMO and other innovative therapies for support of failing organ systems. ELSO is a broad multidisciplinary collaboration of providers, nurses, perfusionists, respiratory therapists, technicians, researchers and industry experts. Global chapters of ELSO provide worldwide education and expertise in ECMO delivery.