Medtronic has received the CE mark for its VitalFlow Transport Frame Air and Ground (AG), which functions as an accessory to the VitalFlow extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) system.

The certification allows the transport frame to be used for inter-hospital transfers, supporting the movement of the complete ECMO system by both ground and air, including ambulances and various aircraft.

Medtronic intends to launch the VitalFlow Transport Frame AG at the EuroELSO Congress, scheduled to take place from 6 to 9 May in Dublin, Ireland.

The new accessory joins the existing VitalFlow Console and other components previously cleared for use within hospital settings in June 2025.

The transport frame has gone through testing and meets requirements for use in ambulances, as well as fixed-wing and rotary aircraft.

Medtronic cardiac surgery and aortic chief medical officer Pieter Kappetein said: “When a patient is in critical condition, and clinicians need to move quickly, every moment counts. By expanding access through transport, we’re helping to support the care of critically ill patients.”

Medtronic serves medical professionals involved in heart-related care and provides technologies for cannulation, ECMO therapies, heart valves, and left atrial appendage management.

ECMO employs a pump and oxygenator outside the body. The technology takes on the role of the heart and lungs, supporting critically ill patients experiencing severe cardiac or respiratory failure.

ECMO is applied to allow the patient’s organs to rest and recover, and may also be utilised as a bridge before heart or lung transplantation, or ahead of receiving further treatments such as a heart assist or left ventricular assist device.

Last month, Medtronic completed the acquisition of CathWorks, which specialises in advancing the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD), for $585m, with further undisclosed earn-out payments possible after the deal.