Korean J Crit Care Med.  2011 Mar;26(1):29-33. 10.4266/kjccm.2011.26.1.29.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as a Bridge to Definitive Airway Security in 3 Severe Acute Extrinsic Airway Compression Patients: A Case Report

• Lyu J
• Huh JW
• Lim CM
• Koh YS
• Hong SB

• KMID: 2228107
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2011.26.1.29

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used for cardiac and respiratory failure for over 30 years. Recently, however, ECMO has emerged as a useful means of short-term support in the management of hypoxic patients for nontraditional indications. Here, we report the use of veno-venous ECMO as a bridge to support a patient with severe airway obstruction because of tumor compression. Case 1: A patient with extrinsic airway compression secondary to a large metastatic cancer on neck was successfully managed using ECMO. Case 2: The successful use of ECMO to support a patient with extrinsic airway compression secondary to a recurred thyroid cancer. Case 3: A pregnant woman with airway obstruction secondary to metastatic lymphadenopathy of lung cancer who underwent successful tracheal stent insertion. The 3 patients were successfully weaned off ECMO without any complication. Although these conditions are uncommon indications, ECMO is a potential option for such life-threatening conditions.

Keyword

acute; airway obstruction; extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

MeSH Terms

Airway Obstruction
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Female
Humans
Lung Neoplasms
Lymphatic Diseases
Neck
Pregnant Women
Respiratory Insufficiency
Stents
Thyroid Neoplasms