ECMO In India, SWAAC ELSO: Challenges And Solutions

There are several advantages of having a global organization of healthcare professionals across the world that prove to be extremely useful for the growth and standardization of medical practices. ELSO provides research funds that can be used to aid registry projects.

The global registry of doctors and centers is available on the internet for quick reference, documentation or quality assurance for hospitals and doctors. ELSO also serves as the communications center for ECMO-related information.

Different Types Of ECMO In India

1. Veno-Arterial ECMO (VA)

Commonly known as VA ECMO. It is coupled to a vein or an artery for proper blood circulation. Veno-Arterial ECMO is used when both the heart and lungs are unable to function properly.

2. Veno-Venous ECMO (VV)

VV ECMO is a machine that is connected to more than one veins and it facilitates support to the lungs. The VV ECMO machine drains deoxygenated blood, oxygenates the blood, and then pumps it back to the same venous chamber.

Applications Of ECMO

1. Heart Or Lung Failure

ECMO in India is usually used when a patient is suffering from heart or lung failure. However, patients who have undergone heart surgery earlier are also suggested for ECMO.

2. Post Heart Or Lung Surgery

ECMO can be also used as a bridge option after a successful heart or lung surgery to check if other organs are functioning properly or not.

3. After A Heart Attack

Doctors recommend the use of ECMO for providing support to the patient’s life after a massive heart attack.

4. After A Lung Transplant

ECMO is also used for patients who need a lung transplant. This helps in keeping the tissues adequately oxygenated which helps the patient’s body ready for the surgery.

ECMO Challenges

The challenges in the technique of ECMO in India are many. Awareness about the efficiency and right doctors for ECMO, choosing the correct equipment, travel stoppages during transport, cost factors of the entire procedure, and availability of monetary resources are some of them. Solutions to some of these problems are easy to figure out, while some needs to be thoroughly addressed.

Awareness among the medical society and education of the general public is extremely important to undergo ECMO surgery at the right time. There is the availability of regular training programs which are being conducted at regional levels.  Awareness among doctors and hospitals are increasing, but there is a long way to go to achieve the required awareness among public education.

Conclusion

With the advancement of technologies, the success rate of ECMO in India has been on the rise, which in turn has proved to be quite profitable for several patients. Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi is one of the best hospitals in India that also uses ECMO.

At Max Healthcare, state-of-the-art technologies are used to make sure that the patients receive the best treatment possible. Every Max Healthcare hospital is home to a team of highly qualified doctors who closely match the patients keeping in mind the needs of the patients and provide them with the best treatment possible.