Extracorporeal life support is a form of temporary heart and lung support for children whose organs are failing despite all other treatments. Blood is drawn out of the body, passed through a machine that adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide, and returned. It does not cure the illness, but it can give the lungs or heart time to recover.

This procedure is a highly specialised treatment used in a small number of children with severe lung infection, heart failure or after heart surgery. It needs a dedicated team, specific equipment and round-the-clock monitoring. Where ECMO is not available on site, the aim of a pediatric critical care hospital in Mumbai is to stabilise the child, discuss the options with the family and arrange a safe transfer to a centre that offers it.

ECLS services include:

• Assessment for Eligibility: Review of the illness, organ function and the likelihood of recovery, to decide whether ECMO could help, and to explain the benefits and limits to parents.
• Stabilisation Before Support or Transfer: Maximum use of ventilation, medicines and monitoring so that the child is as stable as possible while a decision or transfer is arranged.
• Monitoring of Blood Clotting: Careful control of blood thinners and blood tests during support, since both clotting and bleeding are serious risks.
• Weaning and Recovery Planning: Gradual reduction of support when the child's heart or lungs recover, followed by rehabilitation and follow-up of growth and development.