A Pediatric Case Involving Air Transport of a Patient with an Extracorporeal Ventricular Assist Device Using Mobile Medical Units

Abstract

A mobile medical unit is a container used to transport critically injured and ill patients. It is operated by the Aero Medical Evacuation Squadron of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Unlike normal air transport, its activation requires a request for disaster relief by the prefectural governor. The EXCOR^® Pediatric is an extracorporeal ventricular assist device for use in pediatric patients with severe heart failure, and air transport is a useful tool in such patients, as they require quick transport. However, at present, medical jets for the domestic inter-facility transport of patients with EXCOR^® are lacking in Japan, and the mobile medical unit used in the present study is the only means available. There are also other issues related to patient transport, such as the time required from planning to the implementation of transport.