EXTRACORPOREAL MEMBRANE OXYGENATION(ECMO)

  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a cutting-edge life support technology used to treat patients with severe cardiac and respiratory failure when conventional therapies are no longer effective.
  • At Apex Heart Hospital, ECMO therapy is a vital component of the hospital’s advanced cardiopulmonary care, delivered by a dedicated team in a highly specialized environment.

How ECMO Works?

ECMO temporarily takes over the function of the heart and/or lungs to allow these organs to rest and recover. Blood is diverted outside the body to a machine that oxygenates and circulates it, mimicking the heart-lung function.

Two Primary Types of ECMO at Apex:

  • Veno-Arterial (VA) ECMO – Supports both heart and lungs
  • Veno-Venous (VV) ECMO – Supports only the lungs

The choice between VA and VV ECMO is based on the patient’s condition and the degree of organ failure.

When is ECMO used at Apex?

Apex Heart Hospital utilizes ECMO for a wide range of critical and life-threatening conditions, including:

  • Severe cardiac arrest
  • Cardiogenic shock
  • Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
  • Massive pulmonary embolism
  • Post-cardiac surgery heart function recovery
  • As a bridge to heart or lung transplantation
  • Severe COVID-19 respiratory failure (when ventilators are inadequate)

24/7 Multidisciplinary ECMO Team

The ECMO program at Apex is managed by a highly experienced, multidisciplinary team, including:

  • Cardiac Surgeons
  • Intensivists
  • Anesthesiologists
  • Perfusionists
  • Critical Care Nurses
  • Respiratory Therapists
  • This team is available 24/7 to initiate ECMO therapy either in-house or in coordination with referring hospitals.

International Protocols and Patient Monitoring

Apex strictly adheres to international ECMO protocols and guidelines to ensure safety and effectiveness. Patients on ECMO receive:

  • Round-the-clock ICU monitoring
  • Advanced diagnostics and hemodynamic support
  • Ventilatory and imaging support systems
  • Daily multidisciplinary assessments
  • These practices guide decisions on ECMO weaning, continuation, or transitioning to other life-saving interventions.