Extra Corporeal Membrane Therapy (ECMO)

ECMO (Extra Corporeal Membrane Therapy) is a high end rescue therapy for patients suffering from heart and lung failure but are neurologically intact. The technology provides support during high-risk procedures in the cardiac catheterization lab after a serious heart attack. It acts as a bridge for patients awaiting lung transplant.

The ECMO helps in keeping the tissues well oxygenated, thereby making the candidate suitable for a transplant. When a patient is connected to ECMO, blood flows by tubing an artificial lung in the machine, which adds oxygen and takes out carbon dioxide. Thereafter, the blood is warmed as per the body temperature and pumped back in the body.

The right candidates for ECMO Therapy are: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) secondary to pneumonia, aspiration, severe air leak; Refractory Septic / Cardiogenic Shock; Myocarditis - viral, scorpion sting; Post Arrest shock; Meconium Aspiration; Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia; Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension; and Poisoning.