Valley Children’s Hospital. File Photo.

Valley Children’s extracorporeal life support (ECLS) program has received international recognition from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) as a Silver Level ELSO Award recipient.

This program is the only one of its kind in the Central Valley for infants and children, providing lifesaving treatment for failing heart and/or lung function. ECLS (also know as extracorporeal membrane oxygen, or ECMO) is an advanced form of life support available to patients experiencing potentially reversible acute failure of the cardio-respiratory system that is not responding to other therapies. The ECMO machine assumes the roles of the lungs and heart by providing oxygen and blood flow to the body, allowing these organs to rest and heal over a period of time, increasing chances of recovery.

The ELSO Award recognizes centers worldwide that demonstrate and exceptional commitment to evidence-based processes and quality measures, staff training and continuing education, patient satisfaction and ongoing clinical care. Valley Children’s patient outcomes have been in the top 10% to 20% since 2016.

“I am honored to be part of an impressive, specialized team that has received such a prestigious award recognizing the quality of critical care services, life support equipment and highly trained personnel that provide outstanding care to our most vulnerable kids,” says Dr. Harry Kallas, Valley Children’s Extracorporeal Life Support Medical Director.”

The Valley Children’s Healthcare ECMO team will travel to Austin, Texas to receive their award at the 30th Annual ELSO International Conference in September.