Ann Arbor, Michigan – Dr. Robert H. Bartlett, recognized as the 'Father of ECMO,' has died at the age of 86.

 Ann Arbor, Michigan, is grieving the passing of Dr. Robert H. Bartlett, an innovative surgeon and researcher who died on October 20, 2025, at the age of 86. Renowned internationally as the “Father of ECMO” (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation), Dr. Bartlett’s work in medical science has played a crucial role in saving over 100,000 lives globally.

Dr. Bartlett was born on May 8, 1939, in Ann Arbor, being the oldest of four siblings. His father worked as a surgical resident at the University of Michigan and inspired him to pursue a career in medicine from a young age. Eventually, the family relocated to Akron, Ohio, where Dr. Bartlett grew up before returning to Michigan for his undergraduate education at Albion College and his medical degree at the University of Michigan Medical School.

Upon finishing his medical training, Dr. Bartlett undertook general and thoracic surgery residency at the esteemed Peter Bent Brigham and Children’s Hospitals in Boston. It was here that he began his lifelong commitment to enhancing life-saving technologies. In 1970, he became part of the faculty at the University of California, Irvine, where he advanced his research on extracorporeal life support systems.

In 1976, Dr. Bartlett and his colleagues accomplished a significant medical feat by successfully utilizing ECMO on an infant suffering from severe lung failure. This event marked the inaugural successful implementation of ECMO in a newborn patient, paving the way for its broader use in critical care settings.

Dr. Bartlett returned to Michigan in 1980, where he continued his endeavors at the University of Michigan Medical School. He worked as an active emeritus surgeon and professor, devoting his career to the development of critical care medicine. His investigations were centered around enhancing ECMO technology and investigating artificial organs intended to assist patients with failing heart and lung functions.

In 1989, Dr. Bartlett established the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization, a worldwide network aimed at progressing ECMO technology and aiding healthcare professionals across the globe. Under his direction, ELSO has played a crucial role in saving countless lives, remaining an essential resource in the realm of critical care medicine.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Bartlett acquired numerous honors, including the William E. Ladd Medal from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Medallion of Achievement from the American Surgical Association. His contributions have garnered global recognition, and he has served as a mentor to many within the medical field.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Bartlett was celebrated for his humility, compassion, and commitment to his patients. He was profoundly dedicated to guiding the upcoming generation of medical professionals, leaving a significant influence on the fields of surgery and critical care.