ECMO procedure too has pros and cons

Explaining the significance of the line of treatment administered on the late Chief Minister who passed away after a prolonged illness on Monday, Dr B Madan Mohan, interventional cardiologist, explains that when the heart function takes a hit, it serves as an artificial heart. 

He says, “There are two types. It is connected vein to vein, when lung is not able to produce proper oxygen. When the heart function is down, we connect the vein to heart. Basically, it removes blood from the body, purifies it and sends it back to the body.”

He adds that through the device, the blood circulation is maintained throughout the body, ensuring that all the organs are maintained. 

However, he adds that the most important aspect of the treatment is the timing. “It has to be administered within twenty minutes or else the person will get into coma. In such a case, it yields very little result.” 

Dr Mohan says that a person irrespective of the age could be on the device for a month. “Within the period, if the heart is revived, there is a high chance of survival.”