ECMO procedure saves patient with severe respiratory failure in Vijayawada

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is emerging as a life-saving intervention for patients with severe respiratory failure when conventional ventilatory support is no longer effective, said doctors at Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada.

Addressing the media at the hospital on Monday, June 8, Doctors Lokesh Gutta, Consultant – Interventional Pulmonology and G. Uday Kiran, Consultant – Pulmonology highlighted the recovery of a 55-year-old patient who was battling severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and life-threatening lung failure.

They said the patient was admitted to the hospital in critical condition with oxygen saturation levels dropping to 60% and severe ARDS. Despite mechanical ventilation, prone positioning, antibiotics, and intensive medical care, the patient’s condition continued to deteriorate.

The case was further complicated by morbid obesity. When conventional treatment proved insufficient, the medical team started ECMO support.

During treatment, the patient also developed massive airway bleeding that required emergency rigid bronchoscopy. After two and a half weeks of ECMO support, close monitoring, respiratory rehabilitation, physical therapy, and multidisciplinary care, the patient was successfully decannulated from ECMO and recovered.

Doctors said the case reinforces the importance of making advanced ECMO services readily available in the region. Hospital Director Ramanjaneya Reddy also attended the meeting.

Published – 08 Jun 2026 21:47 IST