Does anyone have any experiences with ECMO remova... - ICUsteps

ICUsteps

7,846 members2,474 posts

Does anyone have any experiences with ECMO removal and the chance of survival?

Xyluh profile image
2 Replies

My significant other is coming to the point where he’s been on VV ECMO for too long and it is starting to cause complications. There is a chance that his heart will stop so the doctor would like someone to be at bedside with him. Once ECMO is removed, the hospital will not put him on it again. Prior to permanently decannulating the ECMO, they do 6-24 hour trials where they remove the gas line and if the patient is stable and doesn’t decompensate, that’s when it is safest to remove ECMO; if they do decompensate, the gas line is reattached and they try again later. The first time he was having trials, it sounded like he was tolerating it the best that he’s ever had. Currently his CO2 has been really high and will be higher once removed. He really needs to have the ECMO removed—the longer he stays on it the higher the risk of organ dependence on the machine and greater the risk for even more complications. Because there’s usually a window where it is best to remove from ECMO and the patient is most likely to survive, we’re not going to know when the procedure will take place until the day of. The hospital will call and let us know, and then start the procedure promptly in order not to miss the best opportunity.

Has anyone ever experienced this or seen this? What has been your outcome? What’s the probability that someone in this situation will survive? What was the probability that someone who had your specific circumstances survived?

Written by
Xyluh profile image
Xyluh
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
2 Replies
Sepsur profile image
Sepsur

@Copse77

Copse77 profile image
Copse77

Everyone is an individual and responds differently. In my family experience they do trial to see how successful it is likely to be removing the patient from the ECMO. I will send you a private message with a link. I hope the trial goes well.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Covid19- ecmo- ventilator-multiple organ failure

Hi all. I just wanted to share our story, as I am really struggling lately. My boyfriend, who is...
MarthaKos profile image

Waking up from deep sedatives in ICU.

Waking up from sedation...what should I expect? My Dad went in for bypass surgery which went fine...
Eclips2luv profile image

Don't Give Up Hope - Miracles Do Happen .... Surviving ECMO

My daughter fell ill on 29th Aug 2018. She was rushed by ambulance to the local hospital. She was...
sonyahmaree profile image

one final chance of survival

hi, Yesterday I posted an update about my mum and her icu journey. I have a further update I would...

42 days in COVID icu

My husband has been in icu with COVID for 42 days and on a ventilator for 37 days he was on cpap...

Moderation team

Rhyl1 profile image
Rhyl1Moderator
Rhyl1 profile image
Rhyl1Partner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.