Life-Saving Innovation: How ECMO Helped Overcome a Life-Threatening Asthma Attack

After a severe asthma attack, University Medical Center New Orleans utilizes ECMO to provide life-saving care

On September 24, 2022, Mia Veal experienced a severe asthma attack that would prove to be a life-threatening event. Her mother, Tameka, initially thought it would be best to rush Mia home to get her on her breathing machine, a routine they had followed during previous asthma episodes. However, her other daughter quickly recognized that this attack was different—more intense and more urgent—insisting that Mia needed immediate medical attention at a hospital.

Heeding her daughter's warning, Tameka made the critical decision to drive Mia directly to University Medical Center New Orleans. Upon arrival, Mia was swiftly admitted through the emergency room, where the gravity of her condition was clear.

That day, Yasin Khan, MD, a critical care pulmonologist with expertise in treating severe respiratory conditions, was on duty. He immediately took charge of Mia’s treatment, employing every available resource to stabilize her condition. Dr. Khan’s swift and decisive intervention was crucial, providing Mia with the care she needed at such a critical moment.

“Mia arrived with an exceptionally severe asthma attack, which is one of the most alarming situations we face in the ICU,” said Dr. Khan. “In these cases, air becomes trapped in the lungs, which can lead to a dangerous drop in oxygen levels and, ultimately, the risk of cardiac arrest.”

When Mia didn’t respond to mechanical ventilation and the medications they administered, the medical team decided their best path forward was to put her on ECMO, or Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. This advanced, life-saving treatment is reserved for patients facing severe heart and lung failure. ECMO temporarily takes over the functions of the heart and lungs, giving these vital organs the chance to rest and recover. The process involves circulating the patient’s blood through an external machine, which removes carbon dioxide and adds oxygen before returning the blood to the body. Less than 5% of hospitals in the U.S. can offer this kind of treatment.

“ECMO is absolutely a lifesaving therapy,” Dr. Khan said. “Mia had a pretty prolonged course, and essentially what we were doing is we were using the ECMO to support her while we were treating her for her asthma attack and allowing her to slowly get better.”

Tameka was overwhelmed with fear as she watched her daughter fight for her life, but she found solace in the care and communication provided by the medical team at University Medical Center New Orleans. She recalled how Dr. Khan took the time to carefully explain every step of Mia’s treatment.

“The doctors were incredible,” Tameka said. “Dr. Khan made sure I understood exactly what needed to happen. He broke down complex medical procedures into terms I could grasp, which really helped ease my fears during such a terrifying time.”

The compassionate and clear communication from the medical staff reassured Tameka that Mia was in capable hands, even in the face of such a critical situation.

When Mia finally woke up, it was already October. She had no memory of what had happened and was completely unaware of the life-threatening events she had just endured.

“All the doctors and nurses came rushing into the room, and I was so confused,” Mia said. I thought I had just taken a long nap.”

When Mia was finally well enough to hear the whole story, she and her mother both expressed endless gratitude to the ICU team for saving her life.

“The care we received was truly remarkable,” Tameka recalled. “There were days when I don’t think Dr. Khan even went home to sleep—he was always there, along with the incredible team of doctors, nurses, and technicians.”

Mia echoed her mother’s gratitude.

“I feel like God truly guided me through this by surrounding me with the best medical team possible.”

She added that even after her discharge, the team continued to reach out, checking in on her recovery and ensuring she was doing well. The ICU team even invited Mia to come back to visit, and to her surprise, they had planned a special celebration in her honor. Since she had been unconscious in the ICU on her actual birthday, the staff wanted to make up for it.

“I thought they just wanted to see me,” Mia said, “But when I arrived, they had balloons, a crown, and a birthday party waiting for me. It was an amazing feeling, and I really enjoyed every moment of it.”

Dr. Khan acknowledged that Mia’s case was exceptionally challenging, but thanks to the expertise of his team and the life-saving use of ECMO, she made a full recovery and is now back home, healthy and thriving.

“There were moments during her care when we weren’t certain she would pull through,” Dr. Khan admitted. “So, to see her awake, walking, talking, and spending time with her mom—it was incredibly rewarding for everyone on the ICU team who had the privilege of caring for her.”

Mia said the experience has changed her forever.

“After everything I’ve been through, I feel like I’m so much more humble than I used to be,” she reflected. “I look at life differently now.”

To learn more about the emergency care and specialized services available at University Medical Center New Orleans, including their ECMO capabilities, visit https://www.lcmchealth.org/university-medical-center-new-orleans/