This retrospective cohort study describes all children transported on extracorporeal life support (ECLS) by the Stollery Children's Hospital Pediatric Transport team (SCH-PTT) between 2004 and 2018. We compared outcomes and complications between primary (SCH-PTT performed ECLS cannulation) vs. secondary (cannulation performed by referring facility) transports, as well as secondary transports from referring centers with and without an established ECLS cannulation program. SCH-PTT performed 68 ECLS transports during the study period. Median (IQR) transport distance was 298 (298-1,068) kilometers. Mean (SD) times from referral call to ECLS-initiation were: primary transports 7.8 (2.9) vs. 2.5(3.5) hours for secondary transports, p value < 0.001. Complications were common (n = 65, 95%) but solved without leading to adverse outcomes. There were no significant differences in the number of complications between primary and secondary transports. There was no significant difference in survival to ECLS decannulation between primary 9 (90%) and secondary transports 43 (74%), p value = 0.275. ECLS survival was higher for children cannulated by the SCH-PTT or a center with an ECLS cannulation program: 42 (82%) vs. 10 (59%), p value = 0.048. Critically ill children on ECLS can be safely transported by a specialized pediatric ECLS transport team. Secondary transports from a center with an ECLS cannulation program are also safe and have similar results as primary transports.
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