Celebrating a Milestone: Over 700 ECMO Patients Implanted at the University of Utah Since 2009
University of Utah Health proudly announces a significant achievement in its ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) program, having implanted over 700 patients since its start in 2009. Utah’s program began with the implantation of its first patient by Craig Selzman, MD, in 2009. The patient, from Elko, Nevada, had experienced a large ST elevation myocardial infarction and pericardial effusion, which led to cardiogenic shock and was placed on VA ECMO. This inaugural case marked the start of a program that has grown into a regional and national leader in mechanical circulatory support. Since 2009, the program has consistently cared for high-risk cases, ranging from complex congenital valve disease, advanced heart failure, supporting the heart and lung transplant programs and supplementing the extensive range of cardiothoracic surgeries performed daily.
An example of this exceptional care can be found in TT’s story. He was born with critical neonatal valve stenosis and underwent an emergency valvulotomy at just five days old in 1977. Over the years, he underwent multiple heart surgeries, including an aortic valve replacement at age 14 and a procedure to replace the failing valve in his twenties. TT lived an active life until 2013 when he developed severe aortic valve insufficiency that left him with heart failure and was referred to the University of Utah. In 2013 David Bull, MD, completed a fourth-time sternotomy replacing his aortic valve, root, and ascending aorta. The surgery required 7 hours of cardiopulmonary bypass, and a six-day run on VA-ECMO. TT was ultimately discharged home after 28 days and continues to be followed by John Ryan, MD, MB, at U of U Health. He is now married and an avid long-distance runner at the age of 47.
In 2015, the University made history by establishing Utah’s first and only Extracorporeal-CPR (ECPR) program, which provides ECMO to patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. This initiative, led by Anna Ciullo, MD, has set a new standard for emergency cardiac care, boasting a 43% survival rate for Emergency Department ECPR patients in 2024. Continuous learning and collaboration are at the core of this program, with monthly meetings and quarterly video reviews to improve patient outcomes.
The AirMed program is also vital to the success of ECMO care, ensuring the timely and safe transport of patients from referring hospitals. By working closely with CVICU nursing staff, AirMed ensures seamless, high-quality care during transfers, further solidifying U of U Health as a leader in ECMO transport across the region.
U of U Health has significantly advanced ECMO care through extensive research and publications. Joseph Tonna, MD, MS, was recently awarded an R01 to study the effects of LV unloading in VA ECMO patients. Through a randomization trial, the study will investigate how left ventricular unloading reduces cardiopulmonary congestion, the effects on cardiovascular function, and the impact on biomarkers of long-term heart recovery. Tonna is an example of how our faculty and staff continue to implement best practices. This milestone of implanting over 700 ECMO patients is a testament to the dedication of our entire team to improve patient outcomes and push the boundaries of life-saving medical care.
Thank you to everyone who has played a role in the success of our ECMO program over the past 16 years. To kickstart your day, here’s a daily affirmation from Dr. Adil Husain: “Keep improving that cardiac output!”