AIIMS saves life of woman using ECMO therapy

BHUBANESWAR: AIIMS Bhubaneswar used advanced ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) therapy to save the life of a 53-year-old woman who was in critical condition due to severe pneumonia and breathing difficulties.
The patient's condition quickly worsened, resulting in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and a significant decrease in oxygen levels. Despite the use of maximum ventilatory support and other interventions, her condition continued to deteriorate, making ECMO the only remaining option to save her life.
After eight days of ECMO therapy, the patient's condition started to improve considerably.Her lungs began to recover their function, and she was eventually taken off ECMO support. The recovery process continued with ongoing supportive therapy and antibiotics to treat multiple infections.
Ashutosh Biswas, executive director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, stated, "This achievement underscores their commitment to blend advanced technology with medical science to provide unparalleled care." He emphasized the importance of awareness and availability of ECMO therapy among healthcare professionals and families, as it has proven to be a lifesaving intervention.
Srikant Behera, ICU Consultant and ECMO Specialist, who led the life-saving procedure, explained, "The patient was on the brink of succumbing due to inadequate oxygenation and progressive organ failure. ECMO provided the crucial support needed for her survival. This advanced machine essentially acted as artificial lungs and a heart, maintaining vital oxygen levels and allowing her lungs the necessary time to heal."
The case highlights the importance of ECMO as a vital tool in saving lives when traditional methods are ineffective. According to the official statement from AIIMS Bhubaneswar, ECMO is an extracorporeal technique that provides prolonged cardiac and respiratory support by performing the functions of the heart and lungs outside the body, allowing for essential recovery time.