{"id":9610,"date":"2023-10-26T08:12:42","date_gmt":"2023-10-26T06:12:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/who-i-was-and-who-i-am\/ecmo-my-experience-my-memories\/"},"modified":"2026-04-01T16:47:58","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T14:47:58","slug":"ecmo-my-experience-my-memories","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/en\/who-i-was-and-who-i-am\/ecmo-my-experience-my-memories\/","title":{"rendered":"ECMO, my experience, my memories"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>The hospitalization at Cardiocentro Ticino and the machine that kept me alive from January 31, 2021, for a full 21 days<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p><strong>The interview that Stefania (a nurse at Cardiocentro Ticino, the same Stefania who wrote in my hospital diary) conducted with me several months after I returned home (March 22, 2022)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Mirko-Achermann.mp3\"><\/audio><\/figure>\n\n<p>   <\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<p>The units where I was a patient at Cardiocentro Ticino from January 31, 2021, to March 23, 2021<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1013\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/3BFC7B8E-0B78-4DC3-9FE1-C4A10D31DF72-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1013\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/3BFC7B8E-0B78-4DC3-9FE1-C4A10D31DF72-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/3BFC7B8E-0B78-4DC3-9FE1-C4A10D31DF72-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/3BFC7B8E-0B78-4DC3-9FE1-C4A10D31DF72-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/3BFC7B8E-0B78-4DC3-9FE1-C4A10D31DF72.jpeg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Unit 1<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1011\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/8F18F047-74F6-4635-AC41-967DF54B9BA7-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1011\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/8F18F047-74F6-4635-AC41-967DF54B9BA7-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/8F18F047-74F6-4635-AC41-967DF54B9BA7-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/8F18F047-74F6-4635-AC41-967DF54B9BA7-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/8F18F047-74F6-4635-AC41-967DF54B9BA7.jpeg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Unit 1<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"1012\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/FF16AC69-176E-43E1-91A2-4D8F5235C38A-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1012\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/FF16AC69-176E-43E1-91A2-4D8F5235C38A-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/FF16AC69-176E-43E1-91A2-4D8F5235C38A-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/FF16AC69-176E-43E1-91A2-4D8F5235C38A-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/FF16AC69-176E-43E1-91A2-4D8F5235C38A-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/FF16AC69-176E-43E1-91A2-4D8F5235C38A.jpeg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Room 11 &#8211; The window from which I glimpsed the world during my days of consciousness (mentioned in the audio)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"1160\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/7D7CFF7C-9C3E-4891-B403-F4E75A2EF664_1_105_c.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1160\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/7D7CFF7C-9C3E-4891-B403-F4E75A2EF664_1_105_c.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/7D7CFF7C-9C3E-4891-B403-F4E75A2EF664_1_105_c-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/7D7CFF7C-9C3E-4891-B403-F4E75A2EF664_1_105_c-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Visit to Unit 1 during a post-intensive care self-help meeting at Cardiocentro Ticino &#8211; 2024-01-14<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"1159\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/50C2606A-7422-4AB4-9432-FFE70BB66791_1_105_c.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1159\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/50C2606A-7422-4AB4-9432-FFE70BB66791_1_105_c.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/50C2606A-7422-4AB4-9432-FFE70BB66791_1_105_c-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/50C2606A-7422-4AB4-9432-FFE70BB66791_1_105_c-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p>    <\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<p>The lift where I remember feeling like I was levitating in a bag and seeing people below me&#8230; I thought it was a hallucination&#8230; and in part, it was! <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/4EC9A3FE-DF72-4913-B785-572EC8FE67C2-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1010\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/4EC9A3FE-DF72-4913-B785-572EC8FE67C2-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/4EC9A3FE-DF72-4913-B785-572EC8FE67C2-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/4EC9A3FE-DF72-4913-B785-572EC8FE67C2-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/4EC9A3FE-DF72-4913-B785-572EC8FE67C2.jpeg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p>   <\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p>Below I show you some images after the visit to the Cardiocentro (January 9, 2024) with the intent of understanding what saved my life and why I was chosen for this &#8220;extreme&#8221; therapy&#8230; which according to the doctors was my one and only last chance!<\/p>\n\n<p>Today I met the <a href=\"https:\/\/it.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Perfusionista\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">perfusionists<\/a> who contributed to my care during the period I was connected to the ECMO.<br\/>Although I have worked in an ambulance in the past, I personally was not familiar with this professional role.<br\/>From what I have read and what I have been told, I spent 21 days connected to this machine&#8230; the machine that saved my life, for better or for worse.<br\/>I say for better or for worse because I did not emerge unscathed, but not because of the machine, but rather because of Covid, which left me with significant permanent damage.<br\/>They are very kind and helpful people who went out of their way to let me see the machine that saved me and explain what happened to me and what I went through during those 21 days.<br\/>Personally, I remember nothing, absolutely nothing.<br\/>During this meeting, however, one face seemed familiar to me, as if I already knew that young man; even his voice sounded like someone I had spoken with in the past. <br\/>A young man with a well-groomed beard hidden under the mask and with two very cheerful eyes that radiated joy and youth (Pietro).<br\/>Unfortunately, however, I did not know when or where&#8230; it is very likely a flash of consciousness I had during that period when I was sedated. <br\/>He also confirmed that he remembered me and told me that at certain times the sedation was removed for short periods to evaluate my neurological state; I probably met him in one of those brief moments when I emerged from sedation.<br\/>Seeing him again and recognizing him was very strange, but also moving.<br\/>Afterward, I was welcomed by Daniele, who in a very courteous and professional manner explained the composition, operation, indications, dangers, and contraindications of this machine and this type of therapy, Veno-arterial and, in my case, Veno-venous.<br\/>Many would have preferred to forget.<br\/>In my case, I have about 4 months during which I do not know what happened to me or what they did to my body.<br\/>I say to my body, because my mind remained the same as it was before the illness, but my body became another after I woke up.<br\/>I no longer recognized it, and 3 years later I still do not recognize it today; the limitations my body imposes on my mind are still too great.<br\/>I want to clarify once again that the &#8220;devastation&#8221; of my body is not due to the ECMO therapy, but to the dark beast named Covid. <\/p>\n\n<p>In fact, I remember nothing or almost nothing of this period, but I must thank all the nurses who contributed to writing <a href=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/il-diario-di-degenza\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">my hospital diary<\/a>.<br\/>Without them, I would have had nothing to allow me to reconstruct, even if only in part, those four months spent without my mind being able to think or remember.<br\/>In another situation, in the absence of the pandemic, my family members could have contributed to writing and describing what was happening to me, but alas, in my case, it was not possible.<br\/>I have read and translated the book I mentioned earlier, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Breathe-Out-Surviving-ECMO-Story\/dp\/B0BSJLLRGY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Breathe In Breathe Out: A Surviving ECMO Story<\/a> by Adam York, in the hope of being able to publish it in the near future.<br\/>It was a welcome gift from my nurse and friend Paul (see chapter Doctor Paul); although I must confess that before I started reading it, it took several months\u2014months in which I was afraid to know and learn what had happened to me, even through another person&#8217;s experience. <br\/>After reading and translating it, I tried to contact Adam, the author of the book, and I succeeded via Messenger; he lives in Alabama, USA.<br\/>He had an experience very similar to mine, though not from Covid, but from a strange form of influenza; if you want to know more, I invite you to read the book.<br\/>Not being in a pandemic period, Adam was able to benefit from more contact with his family, who, in addition to being able to tell him what happened, were able to show him photographs and videos to allow him to reconstruct \uadf8 period.<br\/>This may seem macabre, but personally, I miss not knowing, or rather not seeing, how I became the person I am today\u2014in a moment, in weeks, in months, in what conditions I was transformed, or rather how and in what conditions my body was transformed until it became what it is today.<\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<p>    <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><strong>ECMO<\/strong>, the machine that helped save my life<\/strong>&#8230; as I was saying, for better or for worse.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>What is it? When is it used? How does it work? For whom?   <\/strong> <br\/>The documentation I received from the perfusionists at Cardiocentro Ticino who treated me and who later, at my request, explained the operation, indications, dangers, and much more. Thank you, Daniele! <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!state.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Assistenza-circolatoria-agg.-2023.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of Assistenza-circolatoria-agg.-2023.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-180b81fa-9563-4954-8055-7d5ab7044547\" href=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Assistenza-circolatoria-agg.-2023.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Circulatory-assistance-update-2023<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Assistenza-circolatoria-agg.-2023.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download=\"\" aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-180b81fa-9563-4954-8055-7d5ab7044547\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The machine<\/strong>:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1026\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO10.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1026\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO10.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO10-225x300.jpeg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The blue tubes circulate water that allows for the regulation of the temperature of the oxygenated blood delivered to the patient. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1025\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO9.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO9.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO9-225x300.jpeg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">At the bottom right are the air and oxygen flow regulators; the last one on the right regulates the oxygen concentration.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO8.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO8.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO8-225x300.jpeg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1017\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO1-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1017\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO1-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO1-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO1-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO1.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1018\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO2-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1018\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO2-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO2-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO2-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO2.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p>    <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The motor that drives the pump for extracorporeal circulation:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1027\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO11.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1027\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO11.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO11-225x300.jpeg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">In the center is the motor that operates the pump thanks to a magnetic system that avoids friction, wear, and heat.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1028\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO12.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1028\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO12.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO12-225x300.jpeg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p>   <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The magnetic levitation pump to avoid heating through friction and wear of components given the long period of use.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1034\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO18.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1034\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO18.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO18-225x300.jpeg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The &#8220;vanes&#8221; that handle the transport of blood through rotation. Somewhat like in hydroelectric turbines. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1035\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO19.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1035\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO19.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO19-225x300.jpeg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">In these images, the tubes are connected to each other; in reality, when the ECMO is in operation, blood enters through one tube and exits through the other.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1033\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO17.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1033\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO17.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO17-225x300.jpeg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"984\" height=\"766\" data-id=\"1100\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Pump-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1100\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Pump-1.jpg 984w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Pump-1-300x234.jpg 300w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Pump-1-768x598.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 984px) 100vw, 984px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p>   <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video height=\"720\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 1280 \/ 720;\" width=\"1280\" controls=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/EcmoPump.mp4\"><\/video><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Watch this video to see the CentriMag pump in action.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The oxygenator, the filter that allows for oxygenation and temperature regulation of the blood delivered to the patient:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1032\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO16.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1032\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO16.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO16-225x300.jpeg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">At the bottom left is the temperature sensor; the central grid allows for temperature regulation thanks to the flow of water contained in the grids.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1031\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO15.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1031\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO15.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO15-225x300.jpeg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1040\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO24.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1040\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO24.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO24-225x300.jpeg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1039\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO23.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1039\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO23.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO23-225x300.jpeg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The white part is composed of microtubules containing oxygenated air that oxygenate the blood delivered to the patient.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1015\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Ossigenatore-1015x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1060\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Ossigenatore-1015x1024.jpg 1015w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Ossigenatore-297x300.jpg 297w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Ossigenatore-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Ossigenatore-768x775.jpg 768w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Ossigenatore-1522x1536.jpg 1522w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Ossigenatore.jpg 1736w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1015px) 100vw, 1015px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p>   <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The cannulas that transport oxygen-poor blood to the machine and subsequently re-inject it into the patient&#8217;s body after it has been oxygenated.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1038\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO22.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1038\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO22.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO22-225x300.jpeg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1037\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO21.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1037\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO21.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO21-225x300.jpeg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"1036\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO20.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1036\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO20.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO20-225x300.jpeg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p>     <\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Some articles and videos on ECMO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An article found on <a href=\"https:\/\/italianjournalofnursing.it\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">https:\/\/italianjournalofnursing.it<\/a>: &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/italianjournalofnursing.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/IJN_40_AssistenzaInfermieristicaPazienteECMO.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Nursing care for the ECMO patient in intensive care<\/a>&#8220;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!state.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IJN_40_AssistenzaInfermieristicaPazienteECMO.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of IJN_40_AssistenzaInfermieristicaPazienteECMO.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-649406b1-5c9f-48c3-aea5-1c8322e11440\" href=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IJN_40_AssistenzaInfermieristicaPazienteECMO.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IJN_40_NursingCareECMOpatient<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IJN_40_AssistenzaInfermieristicaPazienteECMO.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download=\"\" aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-649406b1-5c9f-48c3-aea5-1c8322e11440\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n<p>   <\/p>\n\n<p>   <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Article on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.annalsthoracicsurgery.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">https:\/\/www.annalsthoracicsurgery.org<\/a>: One-Year Outcomes With Venovenous ECMO Support in Patients With Severe COVID-19 (2022)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!state.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/PIIS0003497522000649.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of PIIS0003497522000649.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-db28b9ee-6d09-4d41-b171-4b78d258adcb\" href=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/PIIS0003497522000649.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PIIS0003497522000649<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/PIIS0003497522000649.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download=\"\" aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-db28b9ee-6d09-4d41-b171-4b78d258adcb\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n<p>    <\/p>\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!state.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO-in-COVID-19-Continued-Variable-Outcomes_2022.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of ECMO-in-COVID-19-Continued-Variable-Outcomes_2022.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-4cbcf75f-e64b-422b-820a-b0a4ee842d3c\" href=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO-in-COVID-19-Continued-Variable-Outcomes_2022.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ECMO-in-COVID-19-Continued-Variable-Outcomes_2022<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ECMO-in-COVID-19-Continued-Variable-Outcomes_2022.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download=\"\" aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-4cbcf75f-e64b-422b-820a-b0a4ee842d3c\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n<p>    <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video height=\"480\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 854 \/ 480;\" width=\"854\" controls=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/ECMO.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n<p>    <\/p>\n\n<p>     <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"nv-iframe-embed\"><iframe title=\"ECMO machine is saving the sickest COVID-19 patients\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jl_y4Sj9ht0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n<p>   <\/p>\n\n<p>      <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ansa.it\/trentino\/notizie\/qualitaaltoadige\/2020\/09\/30\/coronavirus-salvato-con-macchina-cuore-polmoni-ecmo_29128036-2e05-463f-8946-19c78ceded0b.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Coronavirus: Saved with ECMO heart-lung machine<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.altoadige.it\/cronaca\/coronavirus-paziente-salvato-a-bolzano-grazie-alla-tecnologia-ecmo-1.2436963\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Coronavirus, patient saved in Bolzano thanks to ECMO technology<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The hospitalization at Cardiocentro Ticino and the machine that kept me alive from January 31, 2021, for a full 21 days The interview that Stefania (a nurse at Cardiocentro Ticino, the same Stefania who wrote in my hospital diary) conducted with me several months after I returned home (March 22, 2022). The units where I&hellip;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/en\/who-i-was-and-who-i-am\/ecmo-my-experience-my-memories\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">Read More &raquo;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">ECMO, my experience, my memories<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":9489,"menu_order":80,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":0,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","neve_meta_reading_time":"","_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9610","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO Pro 4.9.7.1 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore the experience of a patient connected to ECMO, the machine that made the difference between life and death, and their unique testimonies.\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"google-site-verification\" content=\"2kcNb_eND2p_5dJ-aEUjUzdL5U1pyWvu9G-2F4Qyiwk\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"msvalidate.01\" content=\"8A32EFC1288A3ACC21FB6846BFC9E656\" \/>\n\t<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/diario.m-achermann.com\/en\/who-i-was-and-who-i-am\/ecmo-my-experience-my-memories\/\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"generator\" content=\"All in One SEO Pro (AIOSEO) 4.9.7.1\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"ECMO \u2013 Diary of a life turned upside down - My adventure \u2013 or perhaps I should say misadventure? 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