In a significant medical breakthrough, a team of doctors in a city hospital treated a 38-year-old man suffering from severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) using Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) for 28 days. After battling for 81 days in the hospital, the patient made a full recovery. The extremely obese patient was admitted to KIMS Kingsway in critical condition, suffering from severe ARDS.

 

With no signs of improvement through conventional means, ECMO was the only life-saving option. ECMO is an advanced cardiac and respiratory support system that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs, allowing them to rest and heal. Given the severity of the patient’s condition, the hospital’s ECMO team, led by ECMO Specialist Dr Rajan Barokar, Dr Virendra Belekar, Dr Rashmi Agrawal and team of Intensivist, ECMO Perfusionist Dr Vijaya Lanje, Ashok, promptly initiated ECMO support with ECMO Nursing Ajin Thomas and his team, RMO’s, physiotherapists, dietitian, house keeping staff. The team ensured continuous monitoring, oxygenation adjustments, and intensive care management, dedicated rehab services, giving patient the best chance of survival. “ECMO is a life-saving modality for patients with severe respiratory failure. Morbid obesity significantly complicates ventilation strategies and oxygenation. This patient was in a critical state, and even advanced ventilatory care was insufficient. Through timely intervention while handling ECMO related complications, expert teamwork, and relentless efforts, we were able to achieve a successful outcome.

 

This case reaffirms the power of advanced medical care when executed with precision and robust teamwork,” explained Dr Rajan Barokar, ECMO Specialist & Head, Department of Critical Care. The Nephrology team, led by Dr Ashwini Kumar Khandekar, the Pulmonology team, consisting of Dr Sameer Lote, Dr Rohit Vadala, and Dr Abhishek Faye, Critical Care Echocardiography Expert Dr Harshvardhan Bora contributed. The Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (CVTS) Surgeon Dr Vivek Lanje, Cardiac Anesthetist Dr Manish Sonkusale, Interventional Radiologist Dr Rajesh Mundhada, Dr Surjit Hazra, and Dr Sameer Patil, Dr Ashwini Tayde and Dr Sweta Lohiya provided key interventions. Dr Tushar Gawad (Unit Head) said, “This achievement further strengthens our commitment to saving lives through cutting-edge medical expertise.”