Advanced Pulmonary Treatments

ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) Support

Available

Description

ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) Support

ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) is a life-saving, advanced form of heart-lung support used for critically ill patients whose lungs or heart are failing despite maximum medical and ventilator therapy.

At our center, under the leadership of Dr. Shubham Sharma, ECMO is used as part of a comprehensive strategy in managing severe respiratory failure, cardiopulmonary collapse, and as a bridge to lung transplantation.

What Is ECMO?

ECMO is a machine that temporarily takes over the function of the lungs—and in some cases, the heart—by oxygenating the blood outside the body and removing carbon dioxide. It allows the lungs (and heart) time to rest and heal or serves as a bridge until further treatment such as lung transplant becomes possible.

Types of ECMO

VV-ECMO (Veno-Venous)

Supports only the lungs. Used in conditions like:

ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome)

Severe pneumonia

Post-COVID lung failure

Interstitial lung disease with acute exacerbation

Bridge to lung transplant

VA-ECMO (Veno-Arterial)

Supports both the heart and lungs. Used in:

Cardiogenic shock

Cardiac arrest

Severe combined cardiac and respiratory failure

When Is ECMO Used?

ECMO is considered when conventional treatment options like mechanical ventilation or medications fail to maintain adequate oxygenation or circulation. Indications include:

Severe ARDS unresponsive to ventilator support

Life-threatening hypoxemia or hypercapnia

Lung injury due to infection, trauma, or inhalation injury

Bridge to recovery or transplantation

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR)

ECMO Services at Our Center

Bedside ECMO initiation in ICU or emergency

24/7 ECMO team including pulmonologists, intensivists, cardiac surgeons, perfusionists, and critical care nurses

Mobile ECMO retrieval and transport from peripheral hospitals (in select cases)

Multidisciplinary care including physiotherapy, nutrition, and infection control

Bridge-to-Transplant ECMO support for patients awaiting lung transplantation

Weaning and rehabilitation protocols for optimal recovery

Expertise That Matters

Dr. Shubham Sharma brings extensive experience in managing ECMO cases, with international training in advanced lung failure and transplant medicine from the Medical University of Vienna. His team is adept at timely ECMO initiation, precise monitoring, and individualized weaning strategies, ensuring that patients receive the best chance at recovery or safe transition to transplant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ECMO a cure?

No. ECMO is not a cure but a supportive therapy—it buys time for the lungs or heart to recover or for definitive treatments like a transplant.

How long can someone stay on ECMO?

Duration varies but typically ranges from a few days to several weeks, depending on the underlying condition and recovery.

Is ECMO risky?

While lifesaving, ECMO is a complex procedure with risks like bleeding, infection, and clotting. Expert management and continuous monitoring are critical.