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Using Life-Saving ECMO Technology
India
healthysoch
Hyderabad/Chandigarh: July 7, 2025:
In a remarkable case of survival and advanced paediatric care, 11-month-old Master Gajarla Mokshith overcame a life-threatening episode of acute fulminant viral myocarditis, a rare and severe inflammation of the heart, thanks to timely intervention and the expertise of doctors at Ankura Hospital, Kukatpally.
Mokshith was admitted on June 2nd with a cold, cough, and difficulty breathing at a local hospital, where he was noted to have signs of severe heart failure with an abnormal rhythm of the heart. The child was declined transport by two other hospitals before the attendants and treating doctor approached Ankura Hospital, Kukatpally, where the child was promptly and safely transported under expert supervision and admitted for further care.
“The eleven-month-old was born full-term with a birth weight of 3 kilograms and no reported congenital abnormalities. However, over the past few days, the child presented with severe symptoms. Our team responded promptly with emergency resuscitation measures,” said Dr. Tanzila, Senior Paediatric Intensivist at Ankura Hospital, Kukatpally. Dr. Sujith T. and Dr. Naveed, also senior paediatric intensivists, were part of the critical care team that managed the case.
On detailed medical evaluation, the baby was found to be in severe heart failure, presenting with pulseless ventricular tachycardia and experiencing multiple episodes of cardiac arrest. He required cardiopulmonary resuscitation, defibrillation, and emergency ventilation. “Despite aggressive treatment, the child’s heart function continued to decline, which prompted us to initiate Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA-ECMO)—an advanced life-support technique that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs,” said Dr. Tanzila, Dr. Sujith, and Dr. Naveed. The case was also discussed with Dr. Nitin Rao and Dr. Rajesh, expert pediatric cardiologists who relentlessly monitored the cardiac health of the child.
“ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) is a life-saving technology that acts as artificial heart and lungs, allowing the patient’s body to rest and heal when these organs are severely compromised,” explains Dr Thomas Matthew, cardiothoracic surgeon, who successfully performed the procedure. The baby remained on ECMO support for five days.
Further complicating his condition were a positive COVID-19 test and the presence of blood clots in his leg veins, both of which were successfully managed through the combined multidisciplinary efforts of the medical team at Ankura Hospital. The medical team administered IVIG, steroids, antibiotics, antiarrhythmic drugs, and anticoagulants, in addition to life-saving supportive care, including multiple blood transfusions.
