
Utilization of Shock Team and Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in the Management of Cardiogenic Shock in Northern Ontario
The article reviews the introduction of a specialized shock team and the use of VA-ECMO in Northern Ontario for cardiogenic shock (CS) management. Despite advances, CS outcomes were poor until this new approach, which is now feasible even in remote areas. A study at Health Sciences North in Sudbury evaluated the Impella device and the viability of a shock team to administer VA-ECMO. The results show a significant survival rate and demonstrate the potential to bridge urban-rural healthcare disparities in Ontario.