South Korean Man Defies Death After Severe Heart and Lung Failure

A 34-year-old South Korean man has survived a near-fatal medical crisis thanks to advanced life-support treatment at Đà Nẵng Hospital. Kim J.H. was admitted in severe respiratory failure, with cardiogenic shock, septic shock, and dangerously low blood pressure. Doctors used a specialised procedure to stabilise his condition when conventional treatments failed.

Kim arrived at the hospital in critical condition, struggling to breathe and with blood pressure so low that his life was at immediate risk. Tests revealed infection-related myocarditis—a severe inflammation of the heart muscle—with a high chance of death. The medical team quickly decided to use VA-ECMO (venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) to take over his heart and lung function, giving his body time to recover.

The procedure proved difficult due to the patient’s obesity, demanding precise technical skill and tight coordination between cardiologists, intensive care specialists, and surgeons. While on ECMO, Kim received round-the-clock care, including mechanical ventilation, deep sedation, muscle relaxants, and antibiotics. He also underwent continuous renal replacement therapy and multiple blood transfusions to stabilise his organs. After 16 days, his heart and lung function showed significant improvement. Doctors carefully removed the ECMO support and shifted him to intensive monitoring. His condition continued to strengthen, with no further need for mechanical breathing assistance.

Kim J.H. has since made a full recovery, regaining consciousness and the ability to breathe on his own. He was discharged from Đà Nẵng Hospital in stable health. The case highlights the life-saving potential of ECMO for patients with severe heart and lung failure when standard treatments are not enough.