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Innovative ECMO Mobility Program at AHN Allegheny General Hospital

AHN Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh is making headlines with its groundbreaking approach to patient recovery during heart-lung bypass therapy. Traditionally, patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) have been subjected to prolonged bed rest, leading to increased recovery times and complications. However, a revolutionary patient mobility program aims to change that paradigm by encouraging movement among critically ill patients while on ECMO support.

Launched in 2022, the ECMO Patient Mobility Program at ACH Allegheny General is designed to reintroduce movement into the treatment of patients requiring this life-saving therapy. Dr. Shan Modi, a cardiothoracic critical care physician and one of the program's lead clinicians, emphasizes the importance of mobility for recovery in patients who have historically faced challenges with immobility. "We’ve meticulously developed this program to ensure that as long as patients are stable, we can get them moving, leading to better recovery and shorter hospital stays," he stated.

In standard practice, patients on ECMO are connected to a machine that takes over the function of their heart and lungs—removing, oxygenating, and recirculating blood via cannulas in large veins and arteries. This treatment is crucial for individuals experiencing severe cardiac or respiratory events such as cardiac arrest or respiratory distress syndrome. While ECMO can save lives, prolonged immobility can hinder recovery. Recent studies have revealed that early ambulation can help preserve and enhance physical functionality.

The benefits of the mobility program are already evident. In 2024 alone, 43 patients were mobilized while on ECMO support at AHN. Of these patients, 44.2% were discharged directly to their homes, while about 21% transitioned to inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Among the survivors, a remarkable 66% regained native heart or lung functions, and the overall mortality rate for participants in the mobility initiative stood at just 18.5%—significantly lower than the national average of approximately 50% for ECMO patients.

Dr. Tyler VanDyck, Director of ECMO and Cardiothoracic Surgical ICU at AHN, remarked on the initiative's success: "Mobilizing nearly half of our ECMO patients is a remarkable achievement that reflects our commitment to innovative care. Our multidisciplinary team—composed of cardiologists, critical care specialists, rehabilitation therapists, and ECMO nurses—works together to facilitate this movement program."

The approach is not merely about putting patients on their feet; it starts with small, safe movements. Exercise physiologist Ilija Klipa explains that some patients have even walked on treadmills while receiving ECMO, showcasing the incredible resilience of the human body.

As part of their ongoing commitment to advancing ECMO care, AHN also launched the extracorporeal CPR (ECPR) program in September 2024. This initiative provides immediate heart and lung bypass support in the emergency department for patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, marking a substantial shift in emergency response protocols. Studies indicate that administering ECPR within 30 minutes of a cardiac collapse significantly increases survival chances, leading to nearly 100% revival rates.

Research into ECMO technology and practices continues to evolve, with new advancements dramatically transforming its use from a last resort to an empowering tool for recovery. As Dr. Karthik Ranganathan, an interventional cardiologist at AHN, asserts, modern ECMO technology not only aids in life-saving measures but also significantly enhances long-term recovery for patients, allowing them to return to their families and normal lives.

AHN Allegheny General Hospital's innovative program not only exemplifies a shift in critical care practices but also underscores the institution's dedication to improving patient experiences and outcomes. As healthcare professionals continue to pioneer new methods in ECMO therapy, the results seen at AHN may serve as a model for hospitals around the nation, representing a new era in cardiac care and rehabilitation.

About Allegheny Health Network

Allegheny Health Network (AHN) is an integrated healthcare system operating across Western Pennsylvania. Comprising 14 hospitals and various outpatient facilities, AHN stands at the forefront of medical innovation, providing comprehensive services in trauma care, organ transplantation, cardiovascular disease, and more. With a staff of over 23,000 and partnerships with medical education institutions, AHN meets a diverse range of health needs in its community.