Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is an advanced life-support therapy for patients that supports Heart & Lung when they are not sufficient to function on their own. Giving them time to heal & recover.

At KIMS-KINGSWAY Hospitals, we provide ECMO care for newborns, children and adults using cutting-edge technology and a patient-centric approach.

What is ECMO?

ECMO acts as a temporary heart-lung machine, supporting patients whose heart and/or lungs are failing.

A physician places special tubes (cannulas) into blood vessels, allowing the ECMO machine to take over the function of oxygenating blood and removing carbon dioxide.

This process helps maintain vital organ function while giving the heart and lungs time to heal.

Our expert team ensures continuous monitoring and personalized care, improving survival chances in critical situations, also in patient with severe heart & / or lung failure ECMO gives time to wait for an organ transplant.

Why is ECMO Needed?

When the heart, lungs or both are unable to function properly despite sufficient mechanical ventilation and medication, ECMO is used to give temporary support to the heart, lungs or both.

When is ECMO Used?

ECMO is used when conventional treatments fail, providing temporary heart and lung support in conditions like:

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) – Severe breathing difficulties due to infection or trauma.
Poisoning – Cases where toxic exposure causes heart or lung failure (Pesticides or Drug Reaction).
Pulmonary Embolism – Life-threatening blood clots in the lungs.
Severe Lung Infections – Conditions such as pneumonia or COVID-19 complications.
Heart Failure – Caused by congenital defects, heart attack, or post-surgery complications.
Pulmonary Hypertension – High lung blood pressure.
Bridge to Transplant/Assist Devices – Stabilizing patients awaiting heart or lung transplants.
Shock (Cardiogenic/Septic) - Circulatory failure leading to organ dysfunction.
CathLab / ECPR - Emergency cardiac and respiratory support.
Selective Cases - Trauma, Pregnancy, Oncology.

ECMO provides critical support, giving the body time to heal and recover.

Types of ECMO

ECMO is categorized based on the level of support needed:

Veno-Arterial (V-A ECMO) – Supports both the heart and lungs by taking blood from a vein and returning it to an artery. Used for severe heart and lung failure.
Veno-Venous (V-V ECMO) – Provides lung support by taking blood from a vein and returning it to a vein. Helps oxygenate blood and remove carbon dioxide.
Specialized Cannulation Variations – Customized techniques based on patient-specific needs for optimal outcomes.

The choice of ECMO depends on the patient’s condition and the organs requiring support.

Patient Journey with ECMO

Initial Assessment: A thorough evaluation by our multidisciplinary team to determine if ECMO therapy is needed, including diagnostic tests and consultations with specialists.
ECMO Consultation: A detailed explanation of the ECMO procedure, risks, and benefits, with clear communication to the patient and family.
ECMO Initiation: The ECMO procedure is carefully performed by our expert team, using advanced technology to support heart and lung functions.
Ongoing Monitoring and Care: Continuous monitoring by our ICU team ensures the patient’s safety, with adjustments made to the ECMO settings as needed.
Recovery and Rehabilitation: As the patient stabilizes, ECMO support is gradually reduced, and rehabilitation services help the patient regain strength and mobility.
Discharge and Follow-up: Once stable, the patient is discharged with aftercare instructions, and follow-up appointments ensure continued recovery.

ECMO Team

Our ECMO program is led by a highly skilled, multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing exceptional care:

Critical Care Experts: ICU physicians, nurses, and fellows of critical care available 24/7 to provide intensive care and continuous monitoring for ECMO patients.
ECMO Specialists: Certified ECMO Physicians, Clinical perfusionist, trained nurses and respiratory therapists with expertise in managing ECMO system, ensuring optimal performance and patient safety.
Specialist Physicians: A collaborative team of Cardiologists, Pulmonologists, Nephrologists, CVTS Surgeons, Gastroenterologist, Neurologist, Dietitians and Physical Therapists working together to address all aspects of patient care.
Support Staff: Radiology: Pathology, Blood Bank, Social workers, pharmacists, and chaplains offering holistic support to families, from counseling and emotional care to medication management and spiritual guidance.

What to Expect on ECMO?

ECMO involves advanced equipment, ECMO Circuit Components and Monitors, which may seem overwhelming. Beeping sounds are normal in the ICU - our team is always here to help.

Nutrition Support – Provided through a feeding tube or IV.
Expert Care – Managed by a skilled ECMO team, including perfusionist, doctors, nurses, and specialists.
Emotional Support – Our team is here for you every step of the way.

You’re not alone—we’re with you on this journey.

ECMO Facilities

Experienced ECMO Specialists: A team of highly trained doctors and technicians with expertise in ECMO procedures.
24/7 Availability: Round-the-clock ECMO support to ensure immediate intervention when needed.
Seamless Integration with Other Medical Services: Coordination with departments like cardiology, pulmonology, and nephrology for comprehensive patient care.
State-of-the-Art Monitoring Systems: Continuous, real-time monitoring of patients’ vital signs and ECMO parameters for optimal care.
Post-ECMO Rehabilitation: Specialized rehabilitation programs to support recovery after ECMO therapy.
Family-Friendly Environment: Private consultation rooms and dedicated staff for family engagement in the patient’s care journey.
Blood Bank Support: Immediate access to advanced blood bank services, ensuring critical transfusion needs are met without delay.

These additions can further emphasize the quality and depth of care patients receive at KIMS-Kingsway Hospitals.

Neonatal & Pediatric ECMO

When do we start ECMO?

In cases of critical heart or lung disease that is unresponsive to conventional treatment. Neonatal ECMO has shown a higher global survival rate compared to other age groups.

Indications for Neonatal ECMO

Lung Disease (Usually when Oxygen Index on Ventilator > 40)

Severe Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Severe Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)
Severe Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) (Weight > 2 kg)
Sepsis

Cardiac Disease

Congenital Heart Disease
Myocarditis
Refractory Arrhythmia
Failure to Wean from Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB)

Indications for Pediatric ECMO

Severe Respiratory Failure (Severe Pneumonia, Sepsis, ARDS)
As a Bridge to Lung Transplant
Congenital Heart Disease - especially when unable to wean from Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB)
Cardiac Failure, including Myocarditis - allowing the heart to rest and recover
Cardiogenic Shock, especially when requiring maximum inotropic support

Expert ECMO, Child-Focused Care

Dedicated Pediatric ECMO Team: Specialists trained specifically in managing neonates and children.
Advanced NICU & PICU: Round-the-clock intensive care with top-tier monitoring.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Seamless coordination across key specialties.
Advanced Imaging & Monitoring: Quick, accurate diagnostics to enable timely care.

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