Erekat hooked up to ECMO machine as daughter holds out hope for recovery

Senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat is still alive and in intensive care, his office reports.

Erekat, who was rushed to Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital in Jerusalem two days ago after complications from coronavirus placed his life at risk, is now being supported by an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machine, as well as a ventilator.

The relatively rare medical device is occasionally used as a last resort for patients whose taxed bodies cannot absorb enough oxygen even with a ventilator.

“My father is still in the intensive care unit. His condition is stable with ventilator support. Today, he was connected to the ECMO machine to support the lung and prevent its damage. God willing, his condition will improve,” says Erekat’s daughter Salam, who is also a physician.

— Aaron Boxerman

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