A Korean male tourist escaped death thanks to ECMO intervention

On January 19, a representative of Da Nang Hospital informed that the patient had been discharged from the hospital after a period of intensive treatment, his health was stable, he was alert and breathing well on his own. Before returning home, the Korean tourist’s family sent a handwritten letter thanking the medical team for their dedication to the treatment, hoping for the best for the team on duty.

Previously, the patient was transferred to the emergency room in critical condition: severe respiratory failure, low blood pressure, cardiogenic shock and septic shock. In-depth test results determined that the patient had myocarditis due to a rapidly progressing, directly life-threatening infection.

Determining the very high risk of death, the interdisciplinary team decided to intervene urgently with VA-ECMO. This technique helps support heart and lung function simultaneously, maintaining blood circulation and oxygenation, creating valuable time for damaged heart muscle to recover.

Master, Doctor Nguyen The Minh Tung, Department of Cardiovascular Intensive Care, said the intervention process faced many challenges due to the patient’s obesity. Establishing the blood pipeline system (cannula) requires precise techniques and smooth coordination between resuscitation, anesthesia, and surgery specialties.

As soon as the ECMO system operates safely, doctors apply a comprehensive treatment regimen including mechanical ventilation, deep sedation, muscle relaxation combined with antibiotics, continuous dialysis, blood transfusion and blood products. After 6 days of maximum support from the device, the young man’s heart and lung function improved significantly, making him eligible to wean off the machine. The patient continues to be closely monitored in the intensive care area until complete recovery.

Acute myocarditis is a dangerous disease that can occur in healthy young people after common viral infections. Dr. Tung recommends that people need to be alert when signs such as chest pain, increasing shortness of breath, fatigue or fainting after fever or flu appear. When infected with a virus, patients need to rest absolutely, avoid exertion, be fully vaccinated and maintain regular health check-ups to prevent complications.