AMARILLO, Texas (October 10, 2025) — BSA Health System has launched a new Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) program, introducing advanced, life-saving technology that provides critical support for patients experiencing severe heart or lung failure.
ECMO functions as a temporary artificial heart and lungs, giving a patient’s organs time to rest and heal. It is used to treat life-threatening conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), cardiac failure, severe infections and other forms of critical illness when conventional treatments are no longer effective.
“We’re proud to offer this level of care right here in Amarillo,” said Michael Cruz, chief executive officer of BSA Health System. “This program represents the highest standard in critical care and means patients no longer have to leave the region to access this life-saving therapy.”
With this new program, BSA joins the ranks of top medical centers nationwide offering ECMO as part of their critical care services.
“This is a game-changer for families in crisis,” said Dr. Jon Bush, chief medical officer at BSA. “With ECMO now available at BSA, we can deliver the most advanced cardiac and respiratory support without uprooting patients and families from their support systems.”
The launch of the program required significant investment in specialized equipment, intensive team training and coordinated planning across multiple departments. The ECMO team includes physicians, nurses and perfusionists who have completed extensive preparation to operate the complex technology.
“For some patients, ECMO is the turning point—when every other option has been exhausted,” Dr. Bush said. “We’re here to provide hope when it’s needed most.”
The addition of ECMO reinforces BSA’s commitment to delivering leading-edge, patient-centered care across the region.
“Offering ECMO in the Texas Panhandle is a natural extension of our mission to bring advanced clinical capabilities to the communities we serve,” said Matt Parker, vice president of cardiovascular services. “We’re honored to make this life-saving treatment available close to home.
For more information about BSA’s Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) program, click here.
About BSA Health System
BSA Health System (BSA) is a comprehensive healthcare system located in Amarillo, Texas, serving the Texas Panhandle and surrounding area. BSA, the largest healthcare employer in the region, includes the 445-bed flagship hospital; BSA Harrington Cancer Center; a network of primary care, urgent care and surgical clinics; and a preferred provider network. For more information, visit bsahs.org and follow facebook.com/BSAHealthSystem.