Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is often described as a “bridge to transplant” for patients with severe lung damage. But in some cases, ECMO does more than sustain life while waiting for a transplant – it can allow time for the lungs to heal, avoiding the need for a transplant altogether. 

Jordy’s story is one such example.

As shared by Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, nine-year-old Jordy developed a life-threatening infection that severely damaged his lungs. He was placed on ECMO as a bridge to transplant. During that time, his care team followed a new ECMO cannulation strategy: they placed both cannulas directly into his heart. This better supported his lungs and allowed him to be more mobile than the traditional cannula placement. He was able to sit up in bed and work with his occupational therapist and physical therapist.

By closely monitoring his condition and making adjustments in real-time, the team helped Jordy recover to the point where he no longer needed a transplant. 

Precise Monitoring and ECMO Success

For patients like Jordy, the success of ECMO programs depends on accurate, real-time data. Every second counts. 

At Transonic, we’re committed to supporting ECMO programs around the globe with tools that provide accurate, real-time flow measurements to monitor and optimize patient care during critical moments. 

Tools like the Transonic ELSA® Monitor play a key role in:

• Tracking Oxygenator Blood Volume (OXBV): OXBV helps care teams detect trends and help ensure that the ECMO treatment remains efficient.
  
  
• Optimizing Blood Flow: Care teams can verify that the patient is receiving the correct flow to support recovery.
  
  
• Avoiding Emergencies: Trending data helps plan proactive interventions, preventing crises before they arise.

With precise data at their fingertips, care teams can make informed, timely decisions that lead to better outcomes – even in the most complex cases.

Jordy’s story of recovery is just one example of what’s possible when innovative ECMO strategies are paired with advanced technology. For patients with severe respiratory damage, ECMO isn’t just a tool to keep them alive. It’s a chance to heal. It’s hope. It’s what inspires us to do what we do at Transonic.