ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) in Delhi

When the heart or lungs suddenly stop working properly, every minute matters. ECMO treatment is an advanced, life-saving therapy used in patients with severe heart or lung failure. Also called Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, this form of advanced life support temporarily performs the job of the heart and lungs, giving the body precious time to recover.

In critical emergencies such as cardiac and respiratory failure, ECMO helps supply oxygen to the blood and removes carbon dioxide when the body cannot do it on its own. For many families, it becomes a vital bridge to recovery when conventional treatments are not enough.

What Is ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation)?

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a specialised ICU-based treatment used when the heart or lungs are too weak to function effectively.

In simple terms, ECMO works like an artificial heart and lung system:

• Blood is gently removed from the body
• It passes through a machine that adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide
• The oxygen-rich blood is returned back to the body

The ECMO system includes:

• A pump (to circulate blood)
• An oxygenator (to exchange gases)
• Special tubes connected to large blood vessels

It is important to understand that ECMO treatment does not cure the underlying disease directly. Instead, it supports the body while doctors treat the root cause, improving the chances of survival.

Types of ECMO

The type of ECMO depends on whether the heart, lungs, or both need support. These are as follows:

1. Veno-Arterial (VA) ECMO

It supports both the heart and lungs. Commonly used in severe cardiac failure or cardiogenic shock.

2. Veno-Venous (VV) ECMO

It supports only the lungs. Used in cases of serious respiratory failure where the heart is still functioning.

3. Hybrid (VAV) ECMO

It is used in complex situations requiring customised heart and lung support.

An experienced ECMO specialist carefully evaluates each case to choose the safest and most effective option.

How Is ECMO ICU Treatment Performed?

ECMO is carried out in a highly specialised intensive care unit with round-the-clock monitoring. It includes the following steps:

Step 1: Cannulation

Doctors insert soft tubes (called cannulas) into large blood vessels under sterile conditions.

Step 2: Connection to the ECMO Machine

The tubes are connected to the ECMO circuit, which includes the pump and oxygenator.

Step 3: Continuous Monitoring

Oxygen levels, blood pressure, heart function, and clotting parameters are monitored 24/7 by a trained critical care team.

Step 4: Gradual Weaning

Once the heart and lungs show improvement, ECMO support is slowly reduced and eventually removed.

Timely initiation and expert supervision significantly improve the success rate of ECMO.

Who Is Eligible for ECMO Treatment?

Not every patient qualifies for ECMO. Doctors assess whether the condition is potentially reversible and whether ECMO can meaningfully improve survival.

ECMO may be recommended for:

• Severe heart attack complications
• Cardiogenic shock
• Severe pneumonia or ARDS
• Post-cardiac surgery complications
• Advanced respiratory failure

ECMO may not be suitable in cases of:

• Irreversible brain injury
• Advanced multi-organ failure
• Untreatable underlying disease

Careful patient selection ensures that heart and lung failure treatment using ECMO offers real benefit to individuals.

Risks and Safety of ECMO

Like any advanced medical therapy, ECMO carries certain risks.

This includes:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Organ dysfunction

Since blood thinners are used during ECMO, continuous monitoring is essential. When performed by an experienced ECMO specialist, complications are carefully managed to ensure patient safety.

In life-threatening emergencies, the potential benefits of ECMO often outweigh the risks.

What Is the ECMO Cost in Delhi?

The average cost of ECMO treatment in Delhi typically ranges between ₹6,00,000 to ₹8,50,000

The ECMO cost in Delhi depends on various factors. Some of them are as follows:

• Duration of ECMO support
• Length of ICU stay
• Medications and investigations
• Hospital infrastructure
• Specialist fees

Since ECMO requires advanced equipment and 24/7 monitoring, longer treatment duration may increase overall costs. However, many centres in Delhi offer high-quality care at comparatively affordable rates.

What Is the Success Rate of ECMO in Delhi?

The success rate of ECMO in Delhi generally ranges between 50–70%. This usually depends on factors such as:

• Patient’s age
• Underlying medical condition
• Timing of ECMO initiation
• Experience of the medical team

Early intervention and expert care significantly improve outcomes. In many otherwise fatal situations, ECMO provides a second chance at life.

Why Choose Dr. Dinesh Kumar Mittal for ECMO Treatment in Delhi?

Dr. Dinesh Kumar Mittal is an experienced Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Surgeon who specialises in the treatment of serious heart and lung conditions. Known for his calm approach and careful evaluation, he focuses on giving patients the right treatment at the right time.

Families trust him for:

• Experienced in managing serious heart and lung emergencies.
• Provides advanced ECMO treatment in fully equipped ICU settings.
• Plans ECMO support based on each patient’s specific condition.
• Focuses on safety, close monitoring, and improving chances of recovery.

His combination of medical expertise and compassionate care helps families feel supported and confident during some of their most difficult moments.

Conclusion

ECMO treatment in Delhi has transformed the management of severe heart and lung failure. When conventional treatments fail, this advanced life support system provides vital oxygenation and circulation, allowing the body time to heal.

With timely intervention, careful patient selection, and expert ICU care, ECMO in Delhi offers hope and a real chance of recovery in the most critical situations.