Pulmonary Hypertension News published a report on February 2, 2026, about a case series and literature review found that ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation)—a life-support machine that temporarily replaces heart and lung function—significantly improves survival in pregnant women with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
The study documented five cases where the machine was used as rescue therapy during pregnancy complications from pulmonary arterial hypertension. The maternal survival rate was 58.1%, a notable improvement compared to the 30-50% mortality rate in the pre-ECMO era. While ECMO use in pregnancy remains complex and challenging, the findings support its role as an effective rescue therapy for severe pulmonary arterial hypertension during pregnancy and postpartum periods.
Read more at this link on Pulmonary Hypertension News
Link to the original study published on BMC Pregnancy and Birth here
Citation
Jinzhong, H., Chenxi, L., Xiaojun, L. et al. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for pulmonary arterial hypertension complicating pregnancy: case series and literature review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 26, 148 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-026-08641-0,