– 15 days of intensive treatment helped patient recover
Doctors at KIMS ICON Hospital, Visakhapatnam, saved the life of a 37-year-old man who sustained severe injuries following a blast at his workplace and exposure to ammonia gas and steam, using advanced ECMO support. Explaining the case, Dr. Ravi Kanna, Internal Medicine specialist, said the patient was brought to the hospital unconscious after the industrial accident. He was found to have deep chemical burns over the abdomen, groin and perineum, bilateral corneal haze in both eyes, and a fracture of the right humerus.
The patient soon developed severe respiratory failure due to marked swelling of the airway. Bronchoscopy revealed a Grade 3 inhalation injury. As carbon dioxide levels rose and oxygen levels dropped, the medical team immediately initiated VV ECMO (veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) in a VF-VJ configuration to provide temporary support for lung function and maintain oxygenation.
Doctors administered nebulised heparin and steroid therapy, along with airway toileting and treatment for burn injuries. Repeated bronchoscopic cleaning procedures were performed to clear accumulated secretions and debris from the airways.
He had also sustained extensive burns involving the lower abdomen, thigh and leg. The burns were managed with regular dressings and, fortunately, skin grafting was not required.
As the patient’s condition gradually improved, he was successfully weaned off ECMO on the fifth day and discharged on the 15th day. Doctors said his vision is now improving gradually.
The treatment was provided by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Ravi Kanna and Intensivist Dr. Ravi Krishna, with support from Pulmonologist Dr. Phanindra, Plastic Surgeon Dr. Niteesh Reddy, and Ophthalmologist Dr. Sandhya.