J Korean Soc Traumatol.  2011 Dec;24(2):155-158.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Treatment of Traumatic Lung Injury: 2 Cases

• Yang JS
• Shin H
• Her K
• Won YS

Abstract

Mechanical ventilation is usually the treatment of choice for severe respiratory failure associated with trauma. However, in case of severe hypoxia, mechanical ventilation may not be sufficient for gas exchange in lungs. Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) undergo difficulties in oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is the ideal therapeutic option for those patients with severe traumatic injuries. ECMO allows lungs to reserve their functions and decreases further lung injuries while increasing survival rate at the same time. We report two cases of patients with traumatic ARDS and Multiple Organ Failure including compromised heart function. The preservation of lung function was successful using ECMO therapy.

Keyword

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; Trauma; Acute respiratory distress syndrome

MeSH Terms

Anoxia
Carbon Dioxide
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Heart
Humans
Lung
Lung Injury
Multiple Organ Failure
Oxygen
Respiration, Artificial
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult
Respiratory Insufficiency
Survival Rate
Carbon Dioxide
Oxygen