Shanghai expedites customs clearance of anti-coronavirus tech

Shanghai Customs has opened a quick clearance channel for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation facilities destined to be used in the treatment of coronavirus-related pneumonia at a hospital in Wuhan, the epicenter of the current coronavirus outbreak.

ECMOs provide cardiac and respiratory support to those whose heart and lungs are unable to supply the oxygen the body needs. They are considered the last resort for patients in mortal danger. On Wednesday, Wuhan University's Zhongnan Hospital successfully used an ECMO on a pneumonia patient for the first time.

The facilities, imported by the German manufacturer, have taken two days to reach Shanghai and will be transferred to Wuhan's Jinyintan Hospital as quickly as possible.