Latest news with #ExtracorporealMembraneOxygenation
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Medical Student, 28, Dies of Cardiac Arrest After Collapsing During Basketball Game
Brenan Cullimore died on March 7 from cardiac arrest after collapsing during a basketball game The 28-year-old suffered from a rare genetic heart condition called Brugada syndrome but wasn't properly educated on how it impacted his health His wife Abby Cullimore is now sharing his devastating story to raise awareness of Brugada syndrome A medical student died of cardiac arrest due to a rare genetic condition, and now his wife is sharing his story in hopes of raising awareness. On Wednesday, March 5, Brenan Cullimore was playing a pick-up game of basketball with his friends. The 28-year-old suddenly felt faint before collapsing. 'What I've been told is he suddenly was like, 'I'm feeling dizzy,'' his wife Abby Cullimore, 27, told Today. 'He laid down and all of a sudden he lost consciousness.' Brenan's friends quickly called 911 and waited for an ambulance to arrive. Although they didn't receive instructions to start CPR, they eventually started compressions for 15 minutes until medics showed up and took him to a nearby hospital. Brenan was suffering cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is the abrupt loss of heart function, resulting from a problem with the heart's electrical system, according to the Mayo Clinic. This disrupts the heart's pumping action and stops blood flow through the body. Related: 24-Year-Old Marathoner Collapses on Track After Cardiac Arrest: 'No Definitive Answer About What Happened' (Exclusive) Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. After arriving at the hospital, doctors continued compressions. Abby, who is a nurse practitioner, knew her husband was in bad shape. 'I know obviously what it means if you're not getting somebody's heart rate back and the potential of how much oxygenation wasn't going into his body for a prolonged period,' she told the outlet. 'They told me, 'He's very very sick. We're still doing compressions.' So at this point, it probably has been 45 minutes since the initial loss of consciousness.' Doctors eventually placed Brenan on an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) machine, which supports patients with failing hearts and lungs by pumping oxygen throughout the body, and admitted him to the intensive care unit. 'He did regain his heart rhythm,' Abby shared. 'He was having a weak heartbeat on his own.' Related: Wesleyan College Cross-Country Runner Dies After Going Into Cardiac Arrest During Meet is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! However, the following day, Brenan's blood pressure destabilized and kept 'tanking,' and inflammation in his brain was building. By Friday, two days after the cardiac arrest, an EEG showed 'no signs of brain activity.' 'We took him off life support,' Abby said. Prior to his death, Brenan had just recently learned from his parents that he had the gene for Brugada syndrome. Brugada syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening inherited heart condition that causes the heart's lower chambers to beat in an abnormal rhythm, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The irregular heartbeat — ventricular fibrillation (v-fib) — prevents blood from pumping to the brain causing a person to faint or sudden cardiac death. Abby explained that she and Brenan didn't fully comprehend what having the rare condition meant for his health, and she wishes they received more education about it. 'That's frustrating because Brenan is a very smart person, and he would have listened to the advice doctors gave him if it was provided — and it wasn't,' she said. Related: LeBron James' Son Bronny Opens Up About His Cardiac Arrest: 'My Days Aren't Normal Anymore' ! Abby told the outlet that she's devastated by the sudden loss. After the couple married in October 2023, Brenan had enrolled in medical school and dreamed of becoming a surgeon. 'He was just doing so well [in medical school] and patients loved him because of his personality,' she said. 'It is the worst pain I could have ever imagined,' she added. 'If I can stop that from happening for somebody then I know me and my family and his family would like that.' Now, Abby is using her grief as motivation to raise awareness of Brugada syndrome as well as the importance of CPR following cardiac arrest. 'Having access to defibrillators in places (where) people are playing sports should be a no-brainer,' she explained. 'People should also consider being trained in CPR if they're able. It obviously can save lives.' 'It gives us some sort of mission and purpose moving forward,' she said. 'We're wanting to keep his spirit alive and never stop talking about him because he's so amazing.' Read the original article on People
Zawya
09-02-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Delegates at SWAAC ELSO Conference commend the unwavering endeavours of Abu Dhabi's health authorities
Abu Dhabi, UAE: The 2025 SWAAC ELSO ECMO Conference, the 11th annual conference of South West Africa Asia Chapter of ELSO (Extracorporeal Life Support Organization) has concluded with tremendous success, bringing together more than 70 esteemed speakers, over 1,100 delegates, and participants from across the globe to explore the latest advancements in ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) therapy. This year's conference, which took place over several days, was celebrated for its in-depth discussions, cutting-edge presentations, and exceptional networking opportunities. Held in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and support from Department of Health, the event highlighted the complexities of ECMO therapy, covering its application in critical care settings, novel approaches, emerging technologies, and the integration of ECMO care into multi-disciplinary healthcare teams. Delegates had access to a wealth of knowledge from top experts, with specialized sessions designed to cater to both novice and seasoned professionals in the field. Dignitaries from Department of Health, Abu Dhabi inaugurated the event and also providing unwavering support for the expansion of ECMO services in Abu Dhabi. Their commitment to advancing ECMO education and patient care was reflected in the high-level engagement throughout the event. Feedback from delegates has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the quality and diversity of the content delivered. Sessions were praised for their practical insights, collaborative approach, and the opportunity to engage directly with experts and peers. The event also facilitated numerous opportunities for professional growth, with participants gaining valuable knowledge that they can use to help their patients. The participation and support from industry partners were instrumental in making this conference a resounding success. Industry leaders showcased the latest in ECMO-related technologies, while contributing to insightful dialogues on the future of the field. Their collaboration provided significant value for attendees and underscored the role of innovation in transforming patient care. "We are incredibly pleased with the success of this year's SWAAC ELSO ECMO Conference," said Dr. Praveen Kumar G, Chair of the Scientific Committee. "The knowledge shared and the connections made are a testament to the growing importance of ECMO in critical care. We are grateful for the participation of our speakers, delegates, industry partners, stakeholders from the leading regional hospitals, and the Department of Health, whose collaboration ensured the event's success."
