The ECMO Team caring for your child is made up of an ECMO doctor who may be a Neonatologist or a pediatric intensive care doctor, a surgeon, an ECMO perfusionist, ICU nurses and respiratory therapists.
- The Neonatologist or Pediatric Intensivist: A pediatrician who specializes in the care of very sick babies or children. This doctor will be the primary doctor for your child.
- The Pediatric Surgeon: A doctor who specializes in performing surgery on children. This doctor will place and remove the cannulas needed for ECMO. The surgery will take place in the intensive care unit.
- The ECMO Perfusionist: A certified perfusionist is educated and trained in the management and operation of the ECMO machine. The perfusionist will prepare the machine and tubing to help the surgeon and ECMO doctor place your child on ECMO. In the event there are problems while your child is on ECMO, the perfusionist will work to correct the problem. They will always be available to assist the bedside ECMO specialist taking care of your child.
- The ECMO specialist is a nurse or respiratory therapist who has received special training to run the ECMO machine. There will always be an ECMO specialist to run the ECMO machine.
- The ICU Nurse and Respiratory Therapist: These members of the ICU team are specially educated to care for very sick babies and children. They will be at the bedside providing care to your child.