What Is ECMO Therapy, Why Is It Underused, And When Should You Consider It?

What Is ECMO Therapy, Why Is It Underused, And When Should You Consider It?

What Is ECMO Therapy?

ECMO therapy (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and perfusion) is a treatment option for people with severe respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. It’s an extracorporeal medical treatment used when a patient’s heart and lungs aren’t functioning well enough to get enough oxygen. It works by circulating blood through an external circuit. This blood flow is diverted from the patient through a tube and back into the body. A heart-lung bypass machine can also be used for ECMO therapy, although this type of ECMO is rarely used. Ventricular assist devices (VADs) can also be used as ECMO. VADs are used to help the heart pump blood more effectively and are often used in cardiac surgery. However, the machine can also be used as ECMO. This blog post outlines all you need to know about ECMO so you could make an informed decision about your health.

Why Is ECMO Therapy Underused?

ECMO therapy has been in use since the 1960s. It is accepted as a standard of care for people with respiratory failure who can’t be treated with a mechanical ventilator. It is a rare situation that can occur in patients with severe sepsis, organ failure, or major trauma. Unfortunately, it is underused. In India, the ECMO equipment costs around INR 35 lakhs, and the cost of per day therapy is anywhere between Rs. 1.5 lakhs to Rs. 3 lakhs. ECMO is seen as a last-resort treatment. Patients who require this treatment are very sick and often have poor prognoses. For example, a patient might have sepsis, a very serious condition caused by an overwhelming bacterial infection that can occur in any part of the body.

When Should You Consider Using ECMO Therapy?

ECMO therapy is used in some cases of cardiogenic shock, or the heart not being able to pump blood effectively due to obstruction resulting from a heart attack. It is also used when the heart can’t pump enough blood to maintain adequate blood pressure and oxygenation in the body. In most cases of cardiogenic shock, ECMO is not immediately necessary. It is considered for patients who have had a heart attack and are at risk of severe brain damage or death if they do not receive it.

ECMO treatment may also be required for patients with lung failure, kidney failure, or sepsis (severe bacterial infection). Even if someone does not appear to be at risk of dying from their condition, they may benefit from ECMO treatment because it helps them recover more steadily than if they were treated with an aggressive medical regimen. In addition to being given fluids through an IV line, ECMO therapy involves giving the patient medications that help maintain blood pressure and oxygen levels while eliminating waste buildup in the body. ECMO therapy typically lasts between 5 and 7 days, although it may be extended if needed.

Life after ECMO Therapy

ECMO is a life-saving procedure used to provide support for failing hearts and lungs. After ECMO, the heart and lungs continue to work while the blood flow is returned to the body. There are many advantages of ECMO, including:

    1. Supporting patients in the period immediately following heart surgery or other procedures that lead to heart failure.
    2. Supporting patients with low blood pressure who have experienced a heart attack, stroke, or other condition threatening their ability to breathe independently.
    3. Helping patients who have had a heart transplant by providing a continuous source of oxygen. The benefits of ECMO may depend on the individual patient’s condition and situation and how well they respond to ECMO.
    4. Many patients benefit from ECMO, but some may find it too stressful, limiting their recovery. In these cases, ECMO may not be appropriate for them and can be withdrawn at any time.

Final Words: Deciding Whether To Use ECMO Therapy

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to use ECMO therapy. The treatment is invasive, requiring a lot of space and staff time, and can’t be used indefinitely. However, it can save lives. If you have a patient who does meet the above criteria, you should explore this treatment option. You can also discuss other treatment options with your patient and their family. For example, a ventilator can be used to support the patient’s breathing, but it’s not as effective as a mechanical ventilator. A ventilator is usually a temporary solution, but it’s not always possible to wean patients off a ventilator. If you are scared or have doubts about the procedure, you should always express them to your doctor. Top hospitals have renowned healthcare providers that assist patients in understanding their condition in depth. These doctors also answer any queries that the patients might have.

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