Doctors at KIMS ICON Hospital, Visakhapatnam, successfully saved the life of a 37-year-old man who sustained severe injuries following an industrial blast at his workplace. The patient suffered chemical burns, inhalation injury, and respiratory failure after exposure to ammonia gas and steam. However, doctors stabilised him using advanced ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) support along with comprehensive critical care management.
Patient Brought Unconscious After Workplace Accident
According to Dr. Ravi Kanna, Internal Medicine specialist, the patient was rushed to the hospital in an unconscious state immediately after the accident.
Initial examination revealed deep chemical burns over the abdomen, groin, and perineum, along with bilateral corneal haze affecting both eyes. In addition, doctors detected a fracture of the right humerus, indicating significant trauma from the blast.
Severe Inhalation Injury Leads to Respiratory Failure
Soon after admission, the patient developed severe respiratory distress due to significant swelling of the airway caused by inhalation of toxic fumes and hot steam. To assess the extent of damage, doctors performed a bronchoscopy, which confirmed a Grade 3 inhalation injury.
As the patient’s oxygen levels began to fall and carbon dioxide levels rose dangerously, the medical team acted quickly to prevent further deterioration.
ECMO Support Provides Critical Lung Assistance
Given the severity of the respiratory failure, doctors immediately initiated VV ECMO (veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) using a VF–VJ configuration. This advanced life-support system temporarily replaced lung function, allowing the patient’s body to receive adequate oxygen while his lungs recovered.
By stabilising oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal, ECMO provided crucial time for the medical team to manage the underlying injuries.
Intensive Airway and Burn Management
Simultaneously, doctors initiated nebulised heparin and steroid therapy to reduce airway inflammation and prevent clot formation within the lungs. They also performed airway toileting procedures to maintain airway clearance.
Furthermore, the team conducted repeated bronchoscopic cleaning procedures to remove secretions, debris, and damaged tissue from the airways, thereby improving breathing capacity.
Meanwhile, doctors carefully managed the patient’s extensive burn injuries, which involved the lower abdomen, thigh, and leg. The burns were treated with regular wound dressings, and fortunately, the injuries healed without the need for skin grafting.
Gradual Recovery and Successful Discharge
Over the next several days, the patient’s respiratory function gradually improved. Consequently, doctors were able to successfully wean him off ECMO support on the fifth day.
After continued monitoring and supportive care, the patient recovered steadily and was discharged from the hospital on the 15th day. Doctors also reported that his vision is gradually improving, indicating positive recovery from the eye injury.
Multidisciplinary Team Effort
As per the press release, the successful treatment resulted from the coordinated efforts of a multidisciplinary medical team. The team was 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.
Their combined expertise ensured comprehensive management of the patient’s respiratory failure, burns, trauma injuries, and eye complications, ultimately saving his life.