Overview

What is ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation)?

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is an advanced life-support system that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs in patients with severe or life-threatening failure of these organs. By circulating blood outside the body through an oxygenator (artificial lung), ECMO provides oxygen, removes carbon dioxide, and supports circulation, giving the patient’s own heart and lungs time to rest and heal.

At Dr. KM Cherian Institute of Medical Sciences, we provide the best ECMO treatment in Kerala. Our Department of Critical Care Medicine is equipped with state-of-the-art ECMO systems, a dedicated ICU team, and round-the-clock monitoring to deliver lifesaving support for patients with critical heart and lung conditions.

When is ECMO Needed?

ECMO is used in emergencies when conventional treatments such as ventilators, medications, or intra-aortic balloon pumps are no longer effective. Situations include:

  • Severe respiratory failure due to pneumonia, ARDS, or COVID-19 complications
  • Advanced heart failure or cardiogenic shock after a massive heart attack
  • Sudden cardiac arrest where resuscitation is unsuccessful (ECPR – ECMO-assisted CPR)
  • Post-cardiac surgery recovery when the heart or lungs need temporary support
  • Bridge to heart or lung transplantation
  • Severe trauma or poisoning leading to combined heart and lung failure

Types of ECMO

  • Veno-Arterial (VA) ECMO – Provides support for both the heart and lungs. It is used when patients have severe cardiac failure, often combined with respiratory failure.
  • Veno-Venous (VV) ECMO – Supports only the lungs, used in severe respiratory distress when heart function remains strong.

Benefits of ECMO in Critical Care

  • Provides complete rest for the heart and lungs, improving recovery chances
  • Can be rapidly deployed in emergency settings by trained critical care teams
  • Life-saving option for patients unresponsive to conventional therapies
  • Stabilizes patients awaiting advanced treatments like transplant or surgery
  • Multidisciplinary approach involving cardiology, pulmonology, and intensive care

Treatments

At Dr. KM Cherian Institute of Medical Sciences, our Department of Critical Care Medicine offers a comprehensive ECMO program supported by advanced infrastructure and specialized teams. Our services include:

  • 24/7 availability of ECMO-trained intensivists and perfusionists
  • Rapid ECMO initiation in emergency cases, including cardiac arrest (ECPR)
  • High-end critical care units with invasive monitoring and infection control protocols
  • Collaboration with cardiology, pulmonology, and cardiothoracic surgery teams
  • Long-term rehabilitation support for patients post-ECMO
  • ECMO transport services to bring critically ill patients safely from other hospitals across Kerala

Best Intensivists in Kerala

Our Doctors

Our Department of Critical Care Medicine includes the best intensivists in Kerala, trained in ECMO initiation, monitoring, and management of complex critical cases. At Dr. KM Cherian Institute of Medical Sciences, our doctors work closely with cardiologists, pulmonologists, and surgeons to deliver holistic, life-saving care for patients with heart and lung failure.

FAQ

ECMO pumps blood outside the body to a machine that adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide. In VA ECMO, it also provides circulatory support, effectively replacing both heart and lung function temporarily.

Typically, ECMO is used for days to weeks, depending on recovery or the need for advanced interventions like transplant.

No. A ventilator pushes oxygen into the lungs, while ECMO bypasses the lungs (and sometimes the heart) entirely, directly oxygenating the blood.

Risks include bleeding, infection, or clot formation. At KMC, these are managed with strict protocols and continuous monitoring.

Not all. ECMO is usually offered to critically ill patients who have a chance of recovery or are awaiting transplant, after careful evaluation by a multidisciplinary team.

Best Hospital for ECMO Treatment Services in Kerala

Why Choose KMC Hospital, for ECMO?

Dr. KM Cherian Institute of Medical Sciences is the best hospital for ECMO in Kerala, offering advanced life support for patients with heart and lung failure. Our Critical Care Medicine team is available 24/7 to deliver rapid response and specialized ECMO management.

Choosing KMC Hospital, Chengannur, ensures access to highly skilled intensivists, cutting-edge ECMO technology, and comprehensive ICU care, giving patients with severe heart and lung failure the best chance of survival.

Best Hospital in Kerala

Enquiry

Dr. KM Cherian Institute of Medical Sciences offers the best ECMO treatment services in Kerala for both heart and lung failure. Expert critical care specialists provide 24/7 life support for critical patients. Book now.

ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation)