Patient Testimonial for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a type of life support system used for patients with serious and life-threatening conditions, such as severe infection-related lung damage or shock following a significant heart attack.

The ECMO machine is connected to the patient via a cannula placed in large veins and arteries in the legs, neck, or chest. It transports blood from the patient’s body to an artificial lung (oxygenator), which adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide, essentially replacing the function of the lungs. The blood is then returned to the patient via a pump that works in the same way as the heart, effectively replacing its function. An ECMO specialist will assist in adjusting the machine’s settings so that the patient receives the necessary heart and lung support.

Additionally, ECMO may lead to complications such as bleeding, kidney failure, infection, leg damage, and/or stroke. Even though an ECMO machine can help someone survive, it cannot heal the underlying illness or injury that resulted in heart and lung failure.

Mr. P. Sreeram Bhaskar from Hyderabad successfully received Advanced Life Support with ECMO at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, under the supervision of Dr. Mahesh Gudelli, Consultant Interventional Pulmonologist.