LAKEWOOD, Colo. (July 14, 2025) – CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital is proud to announce the immediate availability of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) therapy. This advanced treatment provides critical respiratory and cardiac support for patients experiencing life-threatening illnesses.
ECMO is a form of life support that is used to treat those with severe heart or lung failure and acts as a temporary replacement for the heart and/or lungs, giving time for those organs to heal. St. Anthony Hospital is one of the few hospitals in the state of Colorado to offer this treatment and is uniquely positioned to offer this specialized care, thanks to its comprehensive resources and expertise:
- Excellent Critical Care Physicians and Nurses: A dedicated team of experienced professionals providing around-the-clock care.
- Cardiothoracic Surgery: A highly skilled surgical team experienced in complex cardiac and pulmonary procedures.
- Level I Trauma Center: Providing the highest level of care for critically injured patients.
- Flight for Life: Ensuring rapid transport and access to ECMO for patients across the region.
"The addition of ECMO therapy at St. Anthony Hospital amplifies our commitment to providing the most advanced and comprehensive care possible to our community," said Kevin Cullinan, President of St. Anthony Hospital. "We are beyond proud of the team of specialized providers who went through the rigorous training to be able to provide this level of care to some of our most vulnerable patients."
This treatment differs is the most advanced form of temporary life support that a facility can offer and can only be done in centers that specialize in this type of care.
Dr. Brendan Clark, ECMO Medical Director and Pulmonary/Critical Care physician, added, "Our goal is to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients, and ECMO therapy is a powerful tool that, combined with our exceptional team and resources, will make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve."
Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 155,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system. Learn more at commonspirit.org.