Cost Utility Evaluation of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as a Bridge to Transplant for Children With End-Stage Heart Failure due to Dilated Cardiomyopathy

ECMO bridging is effective but expensive. The eligible target population is small, nationally, positively influencing affordability. We strongly support our national policy of mechanical bridge to transplant for suitable children in end stage heart failure. Cost effectiveness could be optimized by: 1) increased availability of organ donors, 2) reduction in mechanical support costs possibly by alternate devices and 3) inclusion of patients most likely to benefit.