ECMO therapy in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit
ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) is extracorporeal life support that acts as an artificial lung and heart, giving these organs time to rest and recover while we treat the underlying illness.
How does ECMO work?
A machine is connected to the patient through cannulas placed in veins in the neck, chest, or groin. One cannula draws blood out and carries it to a membrane that removes carbon dioxide and adds oxygen — mimicking the lungs’ job. The oxygenated blood then returns to the body through the second cannula.
Types of ECMO
Veno-Venous ECMO (VV)
For severe respiratory failure, when the lungs can’t oxygenate blood properly but the heart is working normally.
Veno-Arterial ECMO (VA)
For severe heart failure combined with lung failure — supports both the heart and the lungs at once.
When is ECMO used?
- Severe respiratory failure
- Shock
- High-risk heart surgery
- Congenital heart defects or severe respiratory problems in newborns and children
Benefits and risks
Benefits: effectively maintains oxygenation and circulation even when the heart or lungs aren’t working well, giving the medical team time to treat the underlying cause without the patient going into systemic collapse.
Risks: bleeding, infection, vascular damage from cannula placement, and clotting complications. Because of this, ECMO is reserved for specific critical situations, with continuous monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit.
Our Advanced ECMO-certified team
We are the only hospital in the region with two centers internationally accredited by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) and ELSO Latam — ELSO registration numbers 1110 and 1310. Our team certified at the Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia (FCV) and the International Hospital of Colombia.
Internal medicine and intensive care
Dr. Fernando Herrera (all three hospitals in operation).
Intensive care and critical care medicine
Dr. David Hernández, Dr. Graciela Gómez, and Dr. Nuria Ayala (Riviera Nayarit and Premiere).
Cardiology
Dr. Leonel Molina (all three hospitals in operation).
Angiology
Dr. Cintiha Martínez (Premiere and City Center).
Pediatric intensive care
Dr. Yesica Guillestegui Rodríguez (all three hospitals in operation).
Where is ECMO available?
Hospital CMQ Premiere and Hospital CMQ Riviera Nayarit offer ECMO support within their Intensive Care Unit. Hospital CMQ City Center doesn’t offer this therapy — we’ll coordinate immediate transfer if you need it.
| Hospital | Zone covered | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| CMQ Premiere | Fluvial Vallarta, Marina Vallarta, Main Hotel Zone, Las Aralias | (322) 226 6500 |
| CMQ Riviera Nayarit | Bucerías, Nuevo Vallarta, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Punta Mita, Sayulita | (329) 298 0717 |
Content reviewed by Dr. Fernando Herrera, Internal Medicine and Intensive Care specialist at Hospital CMQ · Published: August 2026.
Do you have a family member who might need ECMO support? Message us on WhatsApp.
Book by WhatsAppFrequently asked questions
What does ECMO stand for, and when is it used?
How long can a patient stay on ECMO?
What's the difference between ECMO and mechanical ventilation?
Is ECMO used in children and newborns?
Where is ECMO therapy in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit available?
ECMO therapy in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit is available at CMQ City Center (Basilio Badillo 365 Col. Emiliano Zapata Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico); CMQ Premiere (Av. Francisco Villa 1749 Col. Vallarta Villas Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico); CMQ Riviera Nayarit (Av. Héroes de Nacazori 280 Bucerias, 63732 Riviera Nayarit, Nay).
How do I book ECMO therapy in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit?
Message us on WhatsApp or call our switchboard at (322) 226 6500.
Do you accept insurance and direct billing?
Hospital CMQ works with national and international insurers and offers direct billing. See how insurance and direct billing work or send us your insurer on WhatsApp to verify your coverage.