Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is emerging as a lifesaving intervention for patients with severe respiratory failure when conventional ventilator support is no longer effective, said doctors at Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada.

Addressing the media at the hospital on Monday, June 8, doctors Lokesh Gutta, Consultant–Interventional Pulmonology and G. Uday Kiran, Consultant–Pulmonology, highlighted the recovery of a 55-year-old patient who battled severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and life-threatening lung failure.

They said the patient, was admitted to the hospital in a critical condition with oxygen saturation levels dropping to 60% and with severe ARDS. Despite mechanical ventilation, prone positioning, antibiotics, and intensive medical management, the patient’s condition continued to deteriorate.

The case was further complicated by morbid obesity. With conventional treatment proving insufficient, the medical team initiated ECMO support.

During the course of treatment, the patient also developed a massive airway bleed that required an emergency rigid bronchoscopy procedure. Following two and half weeks of ECMO support, close monitoring, respiratory rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and multidisciplinary care, the patient was successfully decannulated from ECMO and made a recovery.

The doctors said the case reinforces the importance of having advanced ECMO services readily accessible within the region. Ramanjaneya Reddy, Hospital Director, also took part in the meet.