In Tribute to Dr. Robert Hawes Bartlett: Innovator in ECMO and Critical Care Medicine

CytoSorbents Corporation (NASDAQ: CTSO) recently mourned the loss of Dr. Robert Hawes Bartlett, who passed away at the age of 86, leaving behind a monumental legacy in the field of medicine. Dr. Bartlett was not only a former Chief Medical Officer of CytoSorbents but also widely recognized as the father of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO). His revolutionary work, particularly in critical care medicine, has led to the saving of over 100,000 lives worldwide through ECMO technology alone.

Dr. Robert Hawes Bartlett spent a significant portion of his career advancing cardiothoracic surgery while serving as a professor at the University of Michigan. His pioneering contributions encompass the development and implementation of ECMO, a technology that provides lifesaving assistance to patients facing severe, reversible organ failure by temporarily taking over the function of the heart and lungs. His groundbreaking vision not only equipped medical teams with a powerful tool but also laid the groundwork for countless advancements in critical care.

Dr. Phillip Chan, the CEO of CytoSorbents, expressed deep gratitude for Dr. Bartlett’s leadership and contributions during his decade of service at the company. Between 2008 and 2017, Dr. Bartlett played a crucial role in CytoSorbents' clinical trials, including the pivotal European Sepsis Trial, facilitating the initial CE mark approval for CytoSorb®. His insightful contributions helped redefine care strategies within the sphere of advanced critical care.

One of Dr. Bartlett's most significant contributions was his prescient realization of the potential synergy between CytoSorb and ECMO for treating severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). This condition affects a substantial number of patients globally each year, with horrific implications. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the implementation of CytoSorb with ECMO proved instrumental in managing severe respiratory failure cases. By coupling these treatments, healthcare providers significantly lessened patients' dependency on mechanical ventilation and promoted lung rehabilitation, helping many endure the trauma of ARDS.

This innovation illustrates Dr. Bartlett's commitment to ideation and patient welfare. His vision during a tumultuous time for global health provides a glimpse into how he utilized his knowledge for the greater good. It was through this collaboration that numerous critically ill patients were able to survive, underscoring the transformative nature of his work.

Dr. Chan reflected on Bartlett’s legacy, praising his humility, optimism, and an unwavering dedication to both innovation and patient care. His enduring influence will resonate in the ongoing efforts of countless students, residents, and medical professionals he mentored throughout his illustrious career. Dr. Bartlett's passion for music and sports, particularly hockey, added layers of personality to his life, showcasing his well-rounded nature beyond the clinical environment.

Vincent Capponi, President and COO of CytoSorbents, shared his personal appreciation for Bartlett, emphasizing their decade-long collaboration on the fight against life-threatening inflammation in critical illnesses. Their joint pursuit for medical advancements continues to inspire the ethos of the organization.

CytoSorbents Corporation continues to spearhead technologies grounded in effective blood purification and toxic substance removal, attributing much of their success to the foundational work of leaders like Dr. Bartlett. As CytoSorbents advances technologies aimed at addressing critical illnesses, including sepsis and trauma, it does so in the spirit of Dr. Bartlett’s unwavering commitment to patient care and transformational medical solutions.

To honor Dr. Bartlett’s memory, many in the medical community are contributing to causes he supported, encouraging influences of benevolence within healthcare. His influence transcends the confines of traditional medicine, permeating health policy, pioneering research, and influencing generations of practitioners.

In remembrance of a remarkable figure in the medical field, may we collectively uphold the mission to innovate and save lives as Dr. Bartlett would have wanted. His legacy, marked by a legacy of compassion, leadership, and scientific advancement, will continue to inspire clinicians and researchers alike. As we navigate the complex waters of critical care today and tomorrow, Dr. Robert Hawes Bartlett's ideals serve as a beacon of hope and progress for all involved in medicine.

Dr. Bartlett leaves behind a legacy that cannot be overstated. He has not only shaped the landscape of critical care medicine but has also created a foundation upon which future innovations can thrive. The healthcare community expresses heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues, recognizing the indelible mark left by a true pioneer.