Royal Brompton - ECMO - anyone had any experience of this.

[IrianofWay]

A friend of ours was sent their last night after 4 days of sedation and ventilation at our local hospital. I have read the stuff on the website and it all sounds a bit alarming - last resort stuff.

Anyone had any experience? DH is besides himself (the chap is like the brother he never had ). He had a chest infection and because he is athsmatic he was struggling to breathe hence being admitted locally - it just seemed to get worse and worse from there.

I've worked briefly on an ECMO unit (not Royal Brompton). It is, as you say, last resort stuff, but it can work amazingly well, and they are experts at it. He's probably looking a long-ish ICU stay either way, which is an emotional rollercoaster for anyone involved, so do be prepared for that. Sorry I can't offer much in the way of information, but wishing you and your friend all the best.

Thanks sockqueen.

He is now off the ECMO (but still in HDU). He is slowly slowly improving. DH went to visit him on 27th. Was really impressed with the care he was receiving. Fingers crossed.