Chennai: The London-based intensivist Dr. Richard Beale, who treated Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, termed her condition as “extremely grave” on Monday.

In a statement issued, he said: “The situation is extremely grave, but I can confirm that everything possible is being done to give her the best chances of surviving this shocking event.”

The 68-year-old Jayalalithaa, who was admitted to Apollo Hospitals on September 22, suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday evening. She was put on ECMO and other life support systems. ECMO or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a life support system used for patients with life-threatening heart or lung problems.

“This is the most advanced level of support available and is the approach the best centres internationally would take in this situation,” Beale said.

Expressing his sadness on hearing about the cardiac arrest suffered by Jayalalithaa on Sunday Beale said, “My thoughts and prayers are with Madam, her family, her carers, and the people of Tamil Nadu at this very difficult time.”

Beale is a consultant in Intensive Care Medicine at London Bridge Hospital.