Linked In: VGH's EMCO Aids in the Survival of Patient with Cystic Fibrosis

The article written by Pamela Fayerman goes over the use the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine (ECMO). This machine filters the blood of patients with failing cardiopulmonary organs (i.e. lung, heart) by infusing the blood extracted from a patient with oxygen while simultaneously removing carbon dioxide.

The machine was used by the Vancouver General Hospital to maintain Nick Kanaan (patient) alive. He was connected to the machine after getting induced into a coma due to complications in his lungs (due to Cystic Fibrosis) while waiting for a lung transplant. The machine kept him alive for three and a half weeks until such transplant arrived. The patient was rehabilitated and released from the hospital, and now lives a relatively normal life with less worry over his Cystic Fibrosis.

The patient was saved thanks to VGH's EMCO program that has attained recognition by the non-profit Extracorporeal Life Support Organization. Such program has helped around 130 patients over the years and made survival, for many who had no hope, possible. The program of the hospital helps to envision the capabilities of such treatment and likewise provides a bright future for other life support programs. 

https://vancouversun.com/uncategorized/staff/health-blogs/lifesaving-technology-at-vgh-helps-save-dad-with-cystic-fibrosis