Close up of female provider talking with her patient

For critically ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other life-threatening conditions, starting advanced therapies such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) earlier can potentially lead to better outcomes.

What the Providence ARDS Center Offers
  • ECMO capabilities
  • 24/7 coverage by pulmonary/critical care board-certified intensivists
  • 24/7 direct access to an ARDS/ECMO specialized physician
  • ARDS survival numbers that exceed national averages
  • The largest dedicated medical ICU with ECMO capability in Oregon
  • An ARDS-network trial center, at the cutting edge of ARDS therapy
ECMO patient transfer criteria

For consideration of ECMO, the criteria for transfer to Providence ARDS Center at Providence Portland Medical Center include:

  • ARDS per definition and at least one of the following:
    • PaO2/FiO2 ratio <150
    • Murray Score ≥3
    • And/or pH <7.2 for at least 3 hours despite standard care at transferring facility
  • Age ≤ 80
  • Mechanical ventilation for ≤ 7 days
  • No known CNS catastrophe or chronic CNS deficit

Our ARDS/ECMO specialized physicians are available 24/7 to consult with you and facilitate transfer when appropriate for ARDS care and consideration of ECMO.

Conditions we treat:

  • ARDS
  • Influenza
  • Asthma
  • Pneumonia
  • Sepsis
  • Aspiration
  • Inhalational injuries
  • Pulmonary hemorrhage
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Hypothermia

ARDS physicians can be reached through a single phone call at 503-216-LUNG (5864). They can help assess and manage patients with ARDS, as well as help arrange transfer for specialized ARDS care and consideration of ECMO.

Find a Doctor

At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.