ECMO

The doctor considers the ECMO machine the last option in patients whose lungs or heart are not functioning correctly. The development of this machine was in the 1960s. This machine was for infants who had cardiac problems and problems in the respiratory system. Its use in adults has become wider within the last few years.

The doctor connects the ECMO to the body of the patient through plastic tubes. The doctor inserts the tubes in the large vessels of the neck, chest, or legs. Next, the ECMO machine pumps the blood onto a device known as an oxygenator. This device removes carbon dioxide and adds oxygen. Thus, it performs the function of the lungs. The ECMO machine then supplies the blood to the body through pumping. The force of pumping is equal to that of the heart. The person managing the ECMO machine is known as a perfusionist. Perfusionist controls the level of support required by the patient.

The doctors and perfusionists evaluate the condition of the patient with the help of monitors. The monitor shows several critical parameters such as oxygen levels, heart rate, and blood pressure. The doctor also suggests tests to measure carbon dioxide and oxygen levels. The doctor may also prescribe blood thinners to patients to avoid the formation of a clot. These tests, along with other tests, help the patient determine the patient’s overall condition.

Although ECMO is a life-sustaining device, all patients with severe heart and lung conditions cannot get its support. The doctor will evaluate the patients and determine the need for ECMO. Doctors do not consider the following patients for using ECMO:

• Patients suffering from multi-organ failure
• Patients with advanced cancer
• Patients with hemorrhage, which is increasing
• Patients having advanced neurological disease or injury
• Patients with prolonged cardiac arrest

There is a contraindication of ECMO in COVID-19 in the following cases:

• Older people with severe medical conditions
• Patients with low immunity
• Advanced heart failure
• Obesity with BI above 40 kg/m2

It is critical to note that acute kidney injury is not a contraindication for initiating ECMO. There were many patients on ECMO who had an acute renal injury. In these patients, the doctor suggests renal replacement therapy. ECMO is advisable in those patients in which mechanical ventilation is for less than seven to ten days.

ECMO has the following risks:

• Infection
• Stroke
• Kidney failure
• Bleeding
• Reduced blood flow in the leg

But the chances of these things happening to you always lessen when you are getting treated by an expert who has years of experience to their name. Medica Superspecialty Hospital is one of Asia’s most advanced centers for ECMO and we have successfully treated inumerous patients through our dedicated approach towards comprehensive healthcare and recovery.