Awake ECMO – Revolution in Critical Care

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is one of the most advanced life-support systems available for patients with severe cardiac, pulmonary, or cardiopulmonary failure. These patients, often the sickest in any intensive care unit, struggle to maintain adequate oxygenation or circulation despite maximal ventilatory and pharmacological support.

ECMO temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs through a sophisticated pump and oxygenator, enabling circulation and gas exchange while giving these vital organs time to rest and recover. It is important to note that ECMO is not a cure but a bridging therapy, providing critically needed time for recovery, transplantation, or other definitive interventions.

The Game-Changer: Awake ECMO

Unlike conventional ECMO, where patients are sedated and placed on mechanical ventilation, Awake ECMO allows patients to breathe spontaneously & remain alert, actively participate in physiotherapy, and sit upright or walk with assistance.

Clinical Advantages:

• Preserves respiratory muscle tone and diaphragm strength
• Enhances functional residual lung capacity
• Minimizes ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch
• Reduces ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)
• Facilitates early mobilization and rehabilitation
• Improves effectiveness of inhaled medications
• Enables patient communication and shared decision-making
• Decreases ICU delirium and psychosis
• Optimizes outcomes in patients awaiting lung transplantation

Yashoda Hospitals: Redefining Critical Care with Awake ECMO

Yashoda Hospitals has been honored with the Platinum Level Excellence in Life Support (ELSO) Award, the highest global recognition in ECMO care. As one of the first and only ELSO Platinum-certified centers in India, we stand among an elite group of ECMO programs worldwide delivering exemplary outcomes.
We provide: Onsite ECMO cannulation across India and internationally, seamless air ambulance transfers to our specialized centers, and 24X7 expert ECMO care ensuring critically ill patients receive life-saving support without delay.