Severe Lung Failure Expertise and Care
A Nationally Unique Team
Cincinnati Children’s is home to the only multidisciplinary team in the country dedicated to caring for children with severe lung failure who cannot be weaned from ECMO or have persistent air leak syndrome.
Our team brings together experts in pediatric critical care, ECMO, surgery and pulmonology. We also work closely with rehabilitation specialists and physical and occupational therapists to support children throughout treatment and recovery.
Innovative Treatments
Our specialists use advanced treatment approaches to help children recover lung function when other options may be limited. We are one of the few centers with the experience and expertise to provide prolonged ECMO support, giving children time for their lungs to rest and heal.
Treatment may include prolonged ECMO, specialized therapies, advanced interventional procedures or surgery. When possible, we help children stay awake, participate in rehabilitation, and maintain mobility, including walking, while on ECMO.
These approaches can help stabilize your child and support recovery or, when needed, prepare them for a lung transplant.
A Personalized Plan for Every Child
Every child’s condition and treatment needs are different. Our specialists develop an individualized care plan based on your child’s condition, treatment history and response to care.
Our goal is to give each child the best possible chance of survival and meaningful lung function recovery.
Support for Families Traveling Far
Seeking specialized care can be challenging, especially when your child is critically ill. Our team helps coordinate care and travel needs to make the process easier for your family.
When needed, our highly skilled Transport Team can transport critically ill children, including those receiving ECMO, to Cincinnati Children’s.
Expert Second Opinions
About 90% of our new patients come to Cincinnati Children’s Severe Lung Failure Center for a second opinion. We provide consultations and accept referrals for critically ill children whose conditions have not improved with treatment at another hospital.
Our team reviews each child’s condition and treatment history to identify potential treatment options and help families understand possible next steps in their child’s care.
