The coronavirus survival rate on ventilators is disturbingly low, perhaps as low as 20%, signaling it might not be the best way to serve patients, according to Dr. Mehmet Oz.
“Ventilators have become a big concern,” Dr. Oz told “The Cats Roundtable” on 970 AM-N.Y., saying it is not about a shortage as much as a medical debate they might be endangering COVID-19 patients who need them. “When we use them — as we’ve used them for pneumonia — it might not be the best service for patients.
“One of the things the COVID-19 does is that it hurts our ability to carry oxygen in our blood,” he added to host John Catsimatidis. “That same process damages the lining of our lungs. What we really want is oxygen, not pressure, blasting through the lungs, which sometimes can hurt the lungs.
“In my hospital, New York Presbyterian, we’re getting about a 50% survival rate, which is significantly better than what Gov. [Cuomo] had quoted as a 20% survival rate,” Dr. Oz said.
