The toddler was saved through the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment. 'In this procedure, the patient's blood is pumped outside the body from the vena cava with the help of a machine which oxygenates the blood to transfer it back into the body. The oxygenated blood is not allowed to reach the heart,' said Dr Balqees al Noobi, senior specialist, intensive care, said.

Dr Suaad al Ismaili said that ECMO is the latest method which is practised internationally for treating acute respiratory infections. The technique temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs and it is used when the patient can't response to other treatment including drugs and surgical interventions.