His lungs stopped working completely: How a 55-year-old doctor survived weeks of respiratory failure, infections, and septic shock

A 55-year-old doctor who developed severe respiratory failure and multi-organ complications was successfully treated using ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation), an advanced life-support technology used in critical care emergencies.

The patient was initially admitted at an outside hospital with rapidly worsening breathing difficulties and severe oxygen depletion. He was managed with ventilator and all rescue measures including prone ventilation. As his condition deteriorated even after best efforts he was transferred to different hospital, where the critical care team initiated him on life sustaining measure called ECMO.

His lungs were completely nonfunctional and the condition was complicated by infections and septic shock requiring multidisciplinary management involving ICU, CTVS and ID team over several weeks. Gradually, his lungs and other organ functions improved, he was weaned off ECMO support, and was eventually discharged in stable condition. He has now returned to his normal daily activities.

Speaking about the case, Dr Himaaldev G J, Lead Consultant – Critical Care, Apollo Hospitals Sheshadripuram, said, “ECMO acts as an artificial heart and lung support system for patients whose organs need temporary rest and recovery. Timely intervention, coordinated critical care, and advanced technology played a crucial role in saving this patient.”

Dr Manoj Kumar S P, CTVS, said: “ECMO has become an integral part of modern cardiac and critical care, especially in managing patients with severe cardiac failure and complex post-surgical complications. In many situations, it serves as a bridge, either to recovery or to definitive treatment, by stabilizing patients when conventional therapies are no longer effective. It has also made heart and lung transplants possible.

EMCO Team Comprising of Dr. Manoj Kumar S P, Dr. Himaal Dev, Dr. Anand Subramanyam, Dr. Pradeep M V, Dr. Srinivas Dhulipala and Mr. Gopal Naidu Chief Perfusionist.

ECMO is increasingly being used in severe respiratory and cardiac failure cases, including complex infections, heart conditions, and critical emergencies where conventional ventilator and medications support may not be sufficient. Apollo Hospitals continues to strengthen access to advanced critical care technologies and multidisciplinary expertise for patients across Karnataka.