Neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in Texas.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been a successful treatment (80% survival) in over 3,000 neonates with severe respiratory failure (80% predicted mortality without ECMO). ECMO is prolonged extracorporeal cardiopulmonary bypass achieved by extrathoracic vascular cannulation using a modified heart-lung machine. ECMO as treatment for severe respiratory failure in neonates is currently available in Texas in San Antonio, Galveston, Lubbock, and Dallas. Of 116 Texas neonates treated with ECMO, 74% survived. Because of the distances between ECMO programs in Texas, early communication with the nearest center is highly recommended.