Da Nang doctors save S.Korean tourist from life-threatening cardiac shock

The patient, identified as Kim J.H., born in 2002, was visiting Vietnam as a tourist when he was transferred to Da Nang Hospital with severe respiratory failure and dangerously low blood pressure, according to news site VnExpress.

His condition was further complicated by the combination of cardiogenic shock and septic shock.

After clinical examinations and advanced testing, doctors determined that he was suffering from infection-induced acute myocarditis, a rapidly progressing condition with a very high risk of death.

Following an urgent multidisciplinary consultation, the medical team decided to initiate VA-ECMO to provide simultaneous support for the heart and lungs, maintain blood circulation and oxygenation, and give the damaged heart muscle time to recover.

The procedure posed significant challenges because the patient was obese, making the placement of VA-ECMO cannulas technically demanding and requiring close coordination among intensive care, anesthesia, and surgical teams.

With careful preparation and extensive experience, the team successfully established VA-ECMO support and ensured the patient’s safety.

During treatment, Kim received comprehensive intensive care, including mechanical ventilation, deep sedation, muscle relaxation, antibiotics, continuous renal replacement therapy, as well as blood transfusions and blood products.

After more than 16 days of intensive treatment, the patient’s heart and lung function improved markedly, allowing doctors to wean him off VA-ECMO.

He continued to be closely monitored in the intensive care unit and subsequently made a full recovery.

Kim was discharged from hospital on Monday in stable condition, fully conscious and breathing on his own.

Before returning to South Korea, his family sent a handwritten letter to express their gratitude to the doctors and nurses for their dedication and lifesaving efforts.

Dr. Nguyen The Minh Tung, from the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at Da Nang Hospital, warned that acute myocarditis can occur even in young, previously healthy people following common viral infections.

Dr. Tung advised the public to remain alert to warning signs such as chest pain, increasing shortness of breath, extreme fatigue or fainting after fever or flu-like illness.

He also stressed that patients should take absolute rest during viral infections, and urged the public to receive full vaccination, undergo regular health check-ups, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent the disease.