Imagine being on the brink of losing your battle against a severe lung condition, and then, against all odds, getting a second chance at life. That’s exactly what Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) therapy has done for more than 150 critically ill patients at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram. This life-saving technology, often the last resort when ventilators fail, has been a beacon of hope for many, proving that cutting-edge medical advancements and a dedicated team can work miracles.

At a press conference today, Dr. Sandeep Dewan, Senior Director and Head of Critical Care Medicine & ECMO, shared some of the most inspiring survival stories made possible by ECMO. Some of the very patients who were once fighting for their lives stood beside him—alive, breathing, and grateful.

Beating the Odds: Four Incredible Survival Stories

Anita Rani, 39: A Fierce Battle Against ARDS and Influenza

When Anita Rani, a 39-year-old woman, was first admitted to Fortis Gurugram, she was in severe respiratory distress. A bad case of influenza H3N2 had led to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), and her condition was worsening fast. Secondary bacterial infections and ICU-acquired weakness made things even more complicated. When nothing seemed to work, the doctors turned to ECMO. Over 42 days, she fought through repeated bronchoscopies, anticoagulation monitoring, and gradual ventilatory weaning—and she won. Today, she’s back on her feet.

Aviral Rawat, 23: Surviving a Fire and Smoke Inhalation Injury

Aviral Rawat’s story is one of sheer resilience. After a devastating fire accident at home, the 23-year-old was rushed to a local hospital, unconscious and struggling to breathe due to severe smoke inhalation. His lungs began shutting down, and time was running out. That’s when he was transferred—under high-risk conditions—to Fortis Gurugram and placed on ECMO. Over the next few days, the team performed multiple bronchoscopies, a tracheostomy, and ventilatory weaning procedures. Just eight days later, he was stable enough to be moved to a hospital closer to home.

Tej Karan Anchalia, 57: Winning the Fight Against Bilateral Pneumonia

When Tej Karan Anchalia, 57, was diagnosed with Influenza A-related bilateral pneumonia, his condition spiraled rapidly. Mechanical ventilation and proning therapy weren’t enough, and his oxygen levels kept dropping. That’s when ECMO stepped in. A bronchoscopy revealed bacterial infections, which were quickly treated, and his vital signs were closely monitored. There was even concern about a minor eye hemorrhage, but it was managed with simple eye drops. Slowly but surely, he was weaned off ECMO and is now stable.

Rakesh Sharma, 62: Overcoming ARDS and Cardiac Complications

For Rakesh Sharma, 62, the battle was even tougher. As a diabetic patient, his body was already vulnerable when severe ARDS and stress cardiomyopathy hit. Multiple infections and sepsis made things worse. ECMO became his last hope. The journey was long, requiring weeks of critical care, infection control, and physiotherapy, but eventually, he made it. Today, he’s off ECMO and recovering with the help of home oxygen therapy.

The Magic of ECMO: More Than Just a Machine

So, what makes ECMO so powerful? Dr. Sandeep Dewan explained it best: “ECMO steps in when the lungs and heart can’t do their job. It takes over their function, ensuring vital organs continue receiving oxygen. It’s not just about having the technology—it’s about having a team of intensivists, pulmonologists, cardiologists, perfusionists, and critical care nurses working together to fine-tune every detail in real time.”

Dr. Munish Chauhan, Additional Director - Critical Care Medicine & ECMO, added, “ECMO is a game-changer for patients battling life-threatening respiratory conditions. Whether it’s a bridge to organ transplant or recovery from a severe, but reversible illness, it gives patients that crucial extra time to heal. But it’s not just about the machine—it’s about early intervention, cutting-edge technology, and a highly skilled team.”

Looking Ahead: The ECMOASIA 2025 Conference

Fortis Gurugram isn’t stopping here. Mr. Yash Rawat, VP & Facility Director, announced the upcoming ECMOASIA 2025, a two-day conference that will bring together experts to discuss the latest in ECMO advancements and critical care management.

“These success stories reaffirm our commitment to saving lives, no matter how challenging the case,” he said. “The upcoming conference will help us continue pushing boundaries and improving patient outcomes.”

With ECMO at the forefront of life-saving interventions, Fortis Gurugram continues to redefine what’s possible in critical care—one patient, one survival story at a time.