A Conversation That Could Change ECMO in Our Region
- Sherri White
- Apr 9
- 2 min read
UVA’s Dustin Money Brings Expertise, Heart, and a Big Idea to VCSQI
On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, VCSQI Quality Committee meeting featured a presentation that left attendees informed, inspired, and ready to collaborate in new ways.
Dustin Money, Senior ECMO Specialist at the University of Virginia, delivered an outstanding session titled “The Growth of ECMO and the ELSO Registry.” While his clinical insights were incredibly valuable, what made the session stand out was Dustin’s clear passion — for patients, for data, and for the people behind every ECMO run.
“I’ve been on both sides of ECMO — as a clinician, and as a cardiac surgery patient,” Dustin shared. “I know firsthand how much the work you all do matters.”
What We Learned
Dustin covered a wide range of essential ECMO topics, including:
The evolution of VV, VA, and VAV ECMO
Modern indications and shifts toward early intervention
Key complications such as North-South Syndrome and strategies like LV venting
Updates on ECMO equipment and oxygenator technology
Trends and outcomes from the ELSO Registry, the world’s largest ECMO data source
Whether you’re a perfusionist, surgeon, intensivist, or data lead, Dustin’s talk had something for everyone.
Moving Forward Together
Dustin’s presentation sparked an exciting discussion around forming a regional ELSO peer group — an idea that was met with strong support.
The goal - To connect ECMO-reporting centers across Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic in a way that allows for:
Targeted benchmarking
Shared quality insights
Collaborative research and learning
Improved outcomes for ECMO patients
Using the existing ELSO DOMO analytics platform, this peer group would provide a unique opportunity to go beyond isolated program data and see the bigger picture across our region.
“We already have high-performing centers here,” Dustin said. “Imagine what we could do if we started sharing knowledge in real time.”
Join the Regional ECMO Peer Group
If your center participates in ELSO and you're interested in joining the peer group, we want to hear from you!
No extra cost. Just collaboration, insight, and the chance to elevate ECMO care across our region.
ECMO isn’t just about technology. It’s about people — patients fighting for their lives, and the teams fighting alongside them. Dustin reminded us that by coming together, we can do more. We can do better. And we can do it together.
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