Fortis ECMO Institute in collaboration with the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Mulund, organised a programme on 10 May 2025 to mark Perfusion Week. The event focused on the role of Perfusion Sciences in critical care and featured expert-led sessions exploring the use of ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) in managing severe cardiac and respiratory failure. The programme was led by Dr Jumana Haji, Director–ECMO Programme, Fortis Hospital, Mulund.
The sessions highlighted clinical insights from Fortis Hospital Mulund’s ECMO experts and discussed how ECMO is being integrated into intensive care protocols. Survivors who benefitted from ECMO shared their experiences, including a young man who survived a critical train accident and another who recovered from a major heart attack. Each of them credited the technology and the medical teams for sustaining their vital functions during life-threatening periods.
A special segment was held to recognise Perfusionists from Fortis Hospital, Mulund. The felicitation acknowledged their contribution to managing ECMO systems and supporting cardiac and respiratory care.
Post-recovery care was also addressed with complimentary sessions for survivors and their families. Led by psychologists and physiotherapists, these sessions focused on mental health support and physical rehabilitation, reinforcing the importance of long-term recovery after ECMO.
Commenting on the initiative, Dr Vishal Beri, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, said, “Fortis Hospital, Mulund continues to be at the forefront of perfusion and critical care excellence, bringing world-class infrastructure and skilled multidisciplinary teams to our patients. The survivor testimonies stood as living proof of how advanced critical care and the expertise of Fortis’ ECMO team can turn the tide even in the direst of situations, and we are proud to lead the way in delivering such advanced life-saving care.”
Dr Jumana Haji stated, “As ECMO becomes increasingly integrated into advanced ICU protocols, these discussions underline the life-saving potential of perfusion sciences and highlight innovations that are shaping the future of critical care. Perfusionists, often the unsung heroes behind heart-lung machines and ECMO support, are central to these life-saving procedures. This week serves as an opportunity to recognise their critical contribution to patient care and outcomes.”
Dr Charudatt Vaity, Director–Critical Care, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, conducted a session on ECMO’s role in treating respiratory failure, with a focus on medical cases beyond COVID-19. This was followed by a presentation by Dr Jumana Haji, who provided an overview of mechanical circulatory support systems, such as ventricular assist devices (VADs) and ECMO, and their use in cardiac and respiratory interventions. The final session, conducted by Dr Sachin Patil, Consultant-In Charge, Paediatric Cardiac Anaesthesia and ICU, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, explored ECMO use in paediatric care, including examples of interventions and recoveries in children.
The event concluded with Fortis Hospital Mulund staff, IMA physicians, and patients wearing ECMO Ambassador badges as a pledge to raise awareness about the technology and its potential to support critically ill patients.
