“Transforming Lives: The Power of ECLS”

Transforming Lives: The Power of ECLS"In my journey of critical care over the past 30 years, I have witnessed various support systems that have helped to save more lives.Among all the developments, extracorporeal therapies such as renal replacement therapy, extracorporeal life support (ECLS), cytokine removal filters, therapeutic plasma exchange, and others have shown significant progress.Extracorporeal life support has advanced considerably in the last two decades, evolving from an extended cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to a full-blown replacement therapy for organ rest, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), ventricular-assist devices (VAD), extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), and more.Research in this field of medical technology has been remarkable, with leaps and bounds, reaching the present pinnacle.The science of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has spread from the cardiothoracic department to critical care (both adult and pediatric), cardiology, and pulmonology.With this expansion, there has been a tremendous increase in its indications, transitioning from ECLS as a last resort to elective ECLS for procedural support.Our generation is fortunate to witness all shades of ECLS progress and contribute to this mammoth effort to improve critical care outcomes.Good work brings great responsibilities.Despite the significant progress in ECLS utility, it remains limited to a few pockets of society.It is now our priority and responsibility to make this technology accessible to all.With this primary goal, the ECMO Society of India (ESOI) was born in 2010.As a founding member of the society, I am pleased to see the progress in ECMO education and the endless efforts to make ECMO affordable and accessible to all.Recently, the society has also started a research wing in ECLS with the aim of establishing a well-equipped research lab in India in the coming decades.Our efforts through the Indian Journal of ECMO are small steps towards knowledge, contribution to medicine, and our commitment to serving humanity.This journal provides a platform for young budding ECMO specialists to share their experiences, knowledge, and zeal to innovate.I congratulate all the stalwarts who have contributed to the development of ECLS nationally and internationally and welcome all budding ECMO specialists to join hands for ECMOism.Thank you.ECMO forever!