A case that made history - First use of ECMO for heart and lung support in a patient with fulminant myocarditis in Cyprus

The Cardiac Innovation Center and the Cardiology Clinic of Apollonion Private Hospital at the forefront of innovation — First use of ECMO for heart and lung support in a patient with fulminant myocarditis in Cyprus

A historic milestone for cardiac support innovation in Cyprus was achieved, as our team at the Cardiac Innovation Center of Apollonion Private Hospital successfully applied for the first time in Cyprus the method of Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA ECMO). This pioneering technology was used to support the heart of a young patient with critical heart failure, who was accurately diagnosed by our cardiology team, offering vital time for the recovery of her organs.

What is Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA ECMO) and why is it revolutionary?

Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA ECMO) is a technology that temporarily supports the function of the heart and/or lungs in critically ill patients. In essence, it provides time and maintains the function of these organs until they recover from the shock they have sustained.

VA ECMO, also referred to as cardiac support, allows blood from the femoral vein to pass through the system and return oxygenated to the femoral artery, and from there to the entire body — even if the heart is too weak to act as a pump and perform this function.

It must be emphasized that ECMO relieves and supports the organs, potentially allowing them to recover, but it does not treat the underlying disease. Its indications include acute myocardial infarction, acute myocarditis, acute right ventricular dysfunction, septic cardiomyopathy, trauma, cardiotoxic overdose, and others.

The Cardiac Innovation Center and the Cardiology Clinic of Apollonio Private Hospital, are proud to own a state-of-the-art ECMO device, which is the only one in Cyprus capable of supporting both adult and pediatric cases. The presence of such a system significantly enhances our ability to provide specialized intensive care to patients whose condition requires it — particularly where conventional methods of support are insufficient to manage their disease.

Our team of specialized physicians, perfusionists, and nurses, with their extensive training, ensures both the effectiveness of this therapy and strengthens our commitment to delivering top-level medical services, always centered on the patient.

A case that made history

A 20-year-old patient was admitted with atypical symptoms following a viral infection. Our cardiology team immediately diagnosed fulminant myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle that can rapidly lead to severe heart failure. As her condition deteriorated rapidly, the Cardiac Innovation Center team proceeded immediately with the application of VA ECMO, temporarily taking over the function of the heart and lungs and providing critical time for recovery. The patient remained on ECMO for almost 100 hours, under continuous monitoring by cardiac surgeons, intensivists, perfusionists, and specialized nursing staff.

After her safe weaning from ECMO, she underwent an intensive physiotherapy and cardiac rehabilitation program, showing gradual and remarkable improvement in cardiac function. Her ejection fraction returned to normal levels, and the young woman returned home in excellent general condition, close to her family. This case represents a characteristic and hopeful example of how modern cardiology, cardiac surgery, and intensive care, when working in harmony and equipped with the necessary technology and expertise, can change the course even of life-threatening conditions.

A milestone for Cyprus

This success marks a milestone for the medical community of Cyprus and a reference point in the evolution of cardiac care and intensive support for heart failure on our island.

The first use of VA ECMO in a critically ill patient with combined cardiac and respiratory failure due to fulminant myocarditis in Cyprus is not merely a technical achievement — it represents a true advancement in the country’s ability to provide modern, specialized, and life-saving support for severe cardiac cases in both children and adults.

The Cardiac Innovation Center and the Cardiology Clinic of Apollonion Private Hospital are now paving the way for future applications of advanced therapies, strengthening the capacity to manage not only acute cases but also complex cardiac conditions that require high-level expertise and technology.

This success highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and coordination among specialized physicians, perfusionists, and nurses, emphasizing that innovation in cardiac care can transform a life-threatening condition into a full recovery.

💙 Advancing Cardiac Surgery, One Heartbeat at a Time.

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