MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center Named a Leader in ECPR for Cardiac Arrest Care

MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center Achieves ECPR Status

On July 1, 2025, MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center earned the prestigious designation of an Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (ECPR) Receiving Center, becoming one of only five medical facilities in Los Angeles County with such an important capability.

ECPR is a crucial life-saving procedure deployed when standard resuscitation methods do not succeed in reviving a patient facing cardiac arrest. This advanced technique employs Veno-Arterial (VA) Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), which essentially takes over the functions of both the heart and lungs, ensuring that oxygenated blood is circulated throughout the body. This allows medical professionals to focus on treating the underlying cause of the cardiac arrest without compromising vital organ perfusion.

Dr. Amir Abolhoda, the medical director of the adult ECMO program at the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute, stated, “ECPR is a vital and time-sensitive intervention that offers a crucial lifeline in otherwise dire cardiac emergencies.” The effectiveness of ECPR is well documented, with studies showing that it significantly enhances survival rates for patients who have suffered a cardiac arrest.

The recognition as an ECPR Receiving Center is a significant milestone for the Long Beach Medical Center, particularly following its involvement in a four-year pilot study of ECPR conducted by the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services. This extensive study also included prominent institutions such as UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and L.A. General Medical Center.

Dr. David Shavelle, medical director of the adult cardiology and interventional lab, remarked on the center’s experience as one of the original pilot sites. He shared, “Having evaluated a substantial number of patients transported for ECPR evaluation during the study, we’ve established efficient protocols and collaborative workflows. This has remarkably strengthened our hospital's capacity to deliver rapid and specialized care, far beyond our immediate geographic area.”

The initiative is expected to uplift survival rates for cardiac arrest patients significantly. The integrated efforts of Long Beach Medical Center's emergency and cardiac services teams are key to offering advanced patient care, facilitating seamless transitions from emergency response to intensive care.

In reflecting on the achievement, Jennifer Torres, BSN, RN — program manager for the STEMI/ECPR Receiving Center at Long Beach Medical Center — stated, “Our capability to swiftly mobilize the ECMO Team is the result of years of coordinated effort, comprehensive education, and meticulously refined protocols. All this was made possible through the collaboration of every department involved.”

The new status signifies a robust commitment from MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center to utilize state-of-the-art medical technology. The institution adopts the latest in life-saving interventions, confirming its ongoing objective to provide exceptional care to the community.

Dr. Abolhoda reaffirmed this commitment: “Our ECPR designation emphasizes our dedication to utilizing advanced medical technologies to ensure outstanding care during critical moments. Our ECMO Team consists of highly trained multidisciplinary specialists offering around-the-clock care—from emergency intervention to rehabilitation.”

The Long Beach Medical Center has a rich history spanning over 100 years, providing compassionate healthcare services. It is recognized among the top 3% of all acute care hospitals in California and holds accolades for its exceptional performance in various medical specialties, including OBGYN and orthopedics.

For more insight on the services offered, visit the MemorialCare Long Beach website, which provides comprehensive information about their programs, expertise, and commitment to the community.

In an era where medical emergencies demand swift and nuanced interventions, the establishment of ECPR capabilities at Long Beach Medical Center is not just a win for the institution but a significant upgrade in the comprehensive care available for patients experiencing acute cardiac events.