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Understanding ECMO Therapy in COVID-19

Understand how ECMO therapy supports patients with severe COVID-19. Learn its role in respiratory failure, how it works, and when it's used as a life-saving treatment option.

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Written by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula

Reviewed by Dr. Vasanthasree Nair MBBS

Last updated on 20th Aug, 2025

If you or a loved one has been severely affected by COVID-19, you may have heard the term ECMO therapy from doctors. It sounds complex, but don’t worry—this article will break it down in simple terms so you can understand what it is, how it helps, and when it might be needed.

What is ECMO Therapy?

ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) is a life-saving treatment used when a patient’s heart or lungs are so damaged that they can’t function properly. Think of it as an artificial heart and lung machine that temporarily takes over the work of these organs, giving them time to rest and heal.

During ECMO therapy:

  • Blood is taken out of the body through tubes.

  • A machine adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide (just like healthy lungs do).

  • The filtered blood is then pumped back into the body.

This process helps keep vital organs supplied with oxygen when the lungs or heart are failing.

Why is ECMO Used in Severe COVID-19 Cases?

COVID-19 can cause severe lung damage, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)—a condition where the lungs can’t provide enough oxygen to the body. In such cases:

  • Ventilators (breathing machines) may not be enough.

  • ECMO steps in to support the lungs (and sometimes the heart) when other treatments fail.

ECMO is usually considered when:

  • A patient’s oxygen levels remain dangerously low despite a ventilator.

  • The lungs are too inflamed to function.

  • The heart is also struggling due to COVID-related complications.

How Does ECMO Help COVID-19 Patients?

1. Gives the Lungs Time to Heal: By taking over oxygen supply, ECMO reduces the strain on damaged lungs.

2. Supports the Heart: If COVID-19 affects heart function, ECMO can assist in pumping blood.

3. Prevents Organ Failure: Low oxygen levels can harm the brain, kidneys, and liver. ECMO helps protect these organs.

Who is Eligible for ECMO?

Not every COVID-19 patient needs ECMO. Doctors consider it only for:

  • Severe lung or heart failure where other treatments (like ventilators) aren’t working.

  • Otherwise healthy patients with a good chance of recovery.

  • Patients with irreversible organ damage or very poor overall health may not benefit.

Consult Top Specialists

Dr. Sandhya Chandel, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Sandhya Chandel

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

16 Years • MBBS, MD (Int. Med.), IDCCM

Bilaspur

Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur

recommendation

94%

(100+ Patients)

700

70 Cashback

700

No Booking Fees

Dr. Mohamed Azeem, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Mohamed Azeem

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

2 Years • MBBS,MD(Internal Medicine) CCEBDM

Karaikudi

Apollo Hospitals Karaikudi, Karaikudi

450

68 Cashback

450

No Booking Fees

Dr. Anand Ravi, General Physician

Dr. Anand Ravi

General Physician

2 Years • MBBS

Bengaluru

PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru

400

60 Cashback

Dr Syed Mateen Pasha, General Physician

Dr Syed Mateen Pasha

General Physician

2 Years • MBBS

Bengaluru

PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru

400

60 Cashback

Risks and Challenges of ECMO

While ECMO can be life-saving, it also has risks:

  • Bleeding or blood clots (due to blood thinners used in the process).

  • Infections (since tubes are inserted into large blood vessels).

  • Long recovery time (patients may need weeks or months of rehabilitation).

Doctors closely monitor patients on ECMO to manage these risks.

What Happens After ECMO?

Recovery depends on how severe the illness was. Some patients:

  • Gradually regain lung function and come off ECMO.

  • Need continued ventilator support for some time.

  • Require physical therapy to regain strength.

How Can You Support a Loved One on ECMO?

If someone you know is on ECMO:

  • Stay positive: Recovery can take time.

  • Follow hospital guidelines: ECMO requires strict infection control.

  • Prepare for rehabilitation: Physical therapy may be needed post-recovery.

Can ECMO Be Prevented?

The best way to avoid needing ECMO is to prevent severe COVID-19:

  • Get vaccinated and boosted.

  • Follow COVID-19 safety measures (masks, distancing).

  • Seek early medical help if symptoms worsen.

When to Seek Help?

If you or a family member has COVID-19 and experiences:

  • Severe shortness of breath.

  • Bluish lips or face (sign of low oxygen).

  • Extreme fatigue or confusion.

Seek emergency care immediately—early treatment can prevent the need for ECMO.

Conclusion

ECMO is a last-resort treatment for the most critical COVID-19 cases, but it has saved many lives. If your doctor suggests ECMO, it means they believe there’s still a chance for recovery.

If you have concerns about COVID-19 or ECMO therapy, consult a specialist for guidance. At Apollo 24|7, you can book a consultation with expert doctors who can explain your options in detail.

Stay informed, stay safe, and remember—medical advancements like ECMO give hope even in the toughest battles against COVID-19.

Consult Top Specialists

Dr. Sandhya Chandel, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Sandhya Chandel

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

16 Years • MBBS, MD (Int. Med.), IDCCM

Bilaspur

Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur

recommendation

94%

(100+ Patients)

700

70 Cashback

700

No Booking Fees

Dr. Mohamed Azeem, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Mohamed Azeem

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

2 Years • MBBS,MD(Internal Medicine) CCEBDM

Karaikudi

Apollo Hospitals Karaikudi, Karaikudi

450

68 Cashback

450

No Booking Fees

Dr. Anand Ravi, General Physician

Dr. Anand Ravi

General Physician

2 Years • MBBS

Bengaluru

PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru

400

60 Cashback

Dr Syed Mateen Pasha, General Physician

Dr Syed Mateen Pasha

General Physician

2 Years • MBBS

Bengaluru

PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru

400

60 Cashback

Consult Top Specialists

Dr. Sandhya Chandel, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Sandhya Chandel

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

16 Years • MBBS, MD (Int. Med.), IDCCM

Bilaspur

Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur

recommendation

94%

(100+ Patients)

700

70 Cashback

700

No Booking Fees

Dr. Mohamed Azeem, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Mohamed Azeem

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

2 Years • MBBS,MD(Internal Medicine) CCEBDM

Karaikudi

Apollo Hospitals Karaikudi, Karaikudi

450

68 Cashback

450

No Booking Fees

Dr. Anand Ravi, General Physician

Dr. Anand Ravi

General Physician

2 Years • MBBS

Bengaluru

PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru

400

60 Cashback

Dr Syed Mateen Pasha, General Physician

Dr Syed Mateen Pasha

General Physician

2 Years • MBBS

Bengaluru

PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru

400

60 Cashback

Dr. Syed Ismail Ali, General Practitioner

Dr. Syed Ismail Ali

General Practitioner

7 Years • MBBS

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad

499

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