Shri Venkatesh Superspeciality Hospital

From Critical Care to Recovery: How ECMO Helped Save a Life A 57-year-old woman was rushed to Shri Venkatesh Superspeciality Hospital, Raipur, after a severe respiratory illness became life-threatening. Persistent fever and cough quickly progressed to extreme breathlessness, causing her oxygen saturation to drop to a critical 45%. She was immediately admitted under the care of Dr. Rabindra Kumar Panda (Dr. R.K. Panda), Senior Consultant Pulmonologist. The ICU team placed her on ventilator support, but as her lungs remained severely affected, ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) was initiated. This advanced life-support system oxygenates blood outside the body, allowing the lungs to rest and recover while treatment continues. During her ICU stay, the medical team also identified and treated blood clots, and an IVC filter was placed to reduce further risk. With advanced critical care, targeted antibiotics, continuous monitoring, and dedicated nursing support, her condition steadily improved. She recovered successfully and was discharged in a stable condition. Her husband thanked Dr. R.K. Panda and the entire hospital team for their timely decisions, expert care, and compassionate support. This recovery reflects the importance of advanced ICU infrastructure, ECMO technology, and a skilled multidisciplinary team in managing life-threatening respiratory emergencies. Jul 23, 2026