TIRANA, June 30/ATA/ For the first time in Albania, doctors at “Shefqet Ndroqi” University Hospital have successfully used ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) therapy on a 63-year-old patient.
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reported that ECMO is used when a patient’s heart and lungs are severely diseased or damaged and need time to rest and heal. While ECMO itself does not cure disease, it provides critical time for the body to recover or serves as a bridge while waiting for a heart or lung transplant.
According to the ministry, “This therapy significantly strengthens Albania’s capacity to treat critical cardiopulmonary conditions, marking a major milestone in the country’s intensive care capabilities”.
The procedure was performed by the team of doctors composed by Albi Fagu, Ketion Menkshi, Dervish Hasi, Marjeta Bilaj and Nereisa Rushiti and the support staff of nurses.
The Ministry of Health and Social Affairs considers that this achievement represents an important moment for Albanian medicine, opening a new chapter in the treatment of more complex cases and increasing the possibilities for saving lives through modern intensive care technologies. /e.i/a.f/p.s./
