Author: Dr. Nisha Joseph​, Senior Consultant - Cardiac Anesthesiology

ECMO, or Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, is an advanced medical treatment used to save the lives of patients suffering from severe heart or lung failure.

The term “extracorporeal” literally means “outside the body.” In ECMO, a patient’s blood is circulated outside the body through a special machine that adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide before pumping it back. This process allows the heart and lungs to rest temporarily, giving them the chance to recover.

When Is ECMO Needed?

ECMO is usually considered when all other treatments — including medications and ventilator support — are no longer effective. Some conditions where ECMO plays a vital role include:

• Severe lung diseases such as pneumonia or Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
• Massive heart attack, myocarditis, or cardiac arrest leading to cardiogenic shock
• Post-surgical support following major heart or lung surgeries
• As a bridge for patients awaiting heart transplant surgery

How ECMO Works

The process is simpler to understand than it may sound:

1. Blood is withdrawn from the patient’s body using a cannula.
2. The blood is directed into the ECMO machine, where it is oxygenated, and carbon dioxide is removed.
3. This purified, oxygen-rich blood is then returned to the patient through another cannula. Through this process, the heart and lungs get time to rest and heal, while the patient continues to receive oxygenated blood.

Types of ECMO

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

While ECMO is highly effective, it does come with certain challenges, such as the risk of blood clotting and infections. This is why ECMO requires specialized expertise, advanced monitoring, and timely decision-making.

ECMO at Caritas Heart Institute

At the Caritas Heart Institute (CHI), Caritas Hospital, Kottayam, ECMO has been successfully used in over 50 patients, with excellent outcomes. Our dedicated cardiology and critical care team ensures that the right patients are selected for ECMO, maximizing survival chances.

It’s important to remember that ECMO is not a miracle cure. Instead, it acts as a lifeline, buying valuable time for the heart and lungs to recover, or for patients to receive advanced treatments like transplant. Timely initiation of ECMO can make the difference between life and death.

As a leading Critical Care Hospital in Kottayam, Caritas Hospital offers comprehensive emergency and advanced cardiac support for patients with life-threatening conditions. Recognized among the Best Cardiology Hospitals in Kottayam, our expert doctors and modern technology ensure world-class treatment for heart and lung conditions.

Caritas Heart Institute is widely regarded as one of the Best Cardiac Hospitals in Kottayam, with a reputation for excellence in advanced therapies like ECMO, heart transplant support, and minimally invasive cardiac care. With highly experienced specialists, including some of the Best Cardiologists in Kottayam, our hospital continues to deliver trusted and compassionate care.

At Caritas Hospital, Kerala, we remain committed to offering cutting-edge cardiac and critical care treatments, including ECMO, to patients in need. With expert doctors, modern facilities, and compassionate care, Caritas continues to be a trusted name in heart and lung treatment in Kerala.