Our Lady of the Lake Health’s Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) program, a specialized treatment that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs to save the sickest patients, has earned the Silver Path to Excellence Award from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO).
ECMO is used when a patient’s heart or lungs can no longer function on their own. By circulating and oxygenating blood outside the body, the technology allows these vital organs to rest and heal. Since its launch in May 2024, the program has already provided 19 patients with a second chance at life, helping families avoid transfers out of state for this advanced treatment.
“ECMO provides patients with the support they need when traditional treatments are no longer enough,” said Ryan Landry, DNP, VP, clinical operations at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. “Receiving this recognition so early in our program’s history highlights the extraordinary dedication of our nurses, physicians, therapists and specialists. I’m proud of their teamwork and grateful for the lives that have been saved through this program.”