Gurugram, 31 March 2025: In a remarkable demonstration of medical innovation and dedication, doctors at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram have successfully treated more than 150 critically ill patients suffering from life-threatening lung ailments via Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) therapy, showcasing the hospital’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology with compassionate care. In a press conference, held today at Fortis Gurugram, Dr Sandeep Dewan, Senior Director and HOD – Critical Care Medicine & ECMO, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram highlighted some critical cases which were treated via ECMO and the patients were revived. Present at the Press Conference were patients who had presented to the hospital in critical stages and were treated successfully with the help of ECMO.
The first case was of a 39-year-old lady Mrs. Anita Rani. She was admitted to Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram after her condition continued to deteriorate when she was being treated at another city-based hospital. Mrs Anita was diagnosed with severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), a lung condition that occurs when fluid builds up in the lungs, due to influenza H3N2. She was also facing complications including secondary bacterial infections and ICU-acquired weakness. Seeing no improvement in her condition, she was transferred to Fortis Gurugram and was immediately shifted to the ECMO support. She then underwent repeated bronchoscopy, and her Activated Clotting Time (ACT) was monitored regularly to manage anticoagulation. After extensive critical care and gradual ventilatory weaning, she was successfully discharged in a stable condition within 42 days of her admission.
The second case was of Mr. Aviral Rawat, a 23-year-old male who was suffering from a severe smoke inhalation injury due to a fire accident at his home. He was initially unconscious and required intubation and ventilatory support. Due to progressive lung failure because of inhaling excessive smoke, ECMO was initiated, and he was shifted from a city-based hospital to Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram under high-risk conditions. His treatment involved multiple bronchoscopy procedures, tracheostomy, and ventilatory weaning strategies. After steady improvement, he was successfully taken off the ECMO machine and shifted to another hospital closer to home for further care within eight days of his admission.
In the third case, a 57-year-old male Mr Tej Karan Anchalia developed severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome due to Influenza A-related bilateral pneumonia. His condition deteriorated rapidly, requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. A session of proning (placing a patient on their stomach to improve oxygenation and lung function) did not improve his oxygenation, leading to ECMO initiation. A bronchoscopy was done and the test found bacterial infections, which were treated through antibiotics. An eye doctor was also consulted for a small eye bleed (conjunctival hemorrhage), but no immediate treatment was needed, and eye drops were prescribed. His increased sodium levels were managed with free water. The patient is conscious and stable, with normal blood circulation and vital signs after removing from ECMO.
Whereas, in the fourth case, a 62-year-old male Mr. Rakesh Sharma with a history of diabetes presented with influenza-relate severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). He experienced significant lung failure and stress cardiomyopathy, requiring ECMO as a life-saving intervention. Despite battling multiple infections, sepsis, and cardiac dysfunction, he was gradually weaned off ECMO. After weeks of critical care and physiotherapy, he was successfully decannulated and discharged on home oxygen therapy.
Addressing the media, Dr. Sandeep Dewan, Senior Director and HOD – Critical Care Medicine & ECMO Fortis Memorial Research Institute Gurugram said, “ECMO played a critical role in the lives of these patients, who had severe respiratory failure and traditional ventilatory support was no longer sufficient. In such critical moments, when all hope was lost for the patient’s survival, ECMO was as an external life support system, took over the role of the heart and lungs to ensure oxygen delivery to vital organs. The complexity of ECMO management requires a highly skilled and multi-disciplinary team, including intensivists, pulmonologists, cardiologists, perfusionists and critical care nurses, working together to monitor and adjust the line of treatment in real-time.”
Dr. Munish Chauhan, Additional Director – Critical Care Medicine & ECMO, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, added, “These cases exemplify the critical role of ECMO in saving lives for patients battling life-threatening respiratory ailments. ECMO acts as a lifesaver, giving patients the essential assistance, they need while they wait for an organ transplant or recover from illnesses that can be reversed. ECMO gives hope to patients suffering from life-threatening conditions because it is supports better survival rates. Besides that, early intervention, advanced technology, and a skilled medical team are essential in ensuring successful outcomes.”
Mr. Yash Rawat, VP and Facility Director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute Gurugram said, “Fortis Memorial Research Institute remains committed to providing state-of-the-art critical care services, and these ECMO success stories reaffirm our expertise in handling the most challenging medical cases. These successful outcomes are a testament to the expertise, dedication, and collaborative efforts of the team of doctors involved. A 2-day conference ‘ECMOASIA 2025’ is being organized by the Department of Critical Care Medicine & ECMO at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram. This specialized conference focuses on advancements in ECMO and critical care.”