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Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge in central airway obstruction: experience from a high-volume center

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Perioperative airway management and oxygenation maintenance during central airway obstruction (CAO) treatment pose great challenges. While veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) shows promise as a bridge therapy, optimal implementation and management strategies remain lacking. We present our experience with V-V ECMO in CAO management from a high-volume center. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 29 consecutive patients who received V-V ECMO support for CAO between 2015 and 2023. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, ECMO cannulation and operation parameters, interventional procedures, complications, and outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: Among patients with median airway diameter of 4.5 mm (IQR 2-5 mm), etiologies included primary tumors (n = 17), metastases (n = 7), and post-intubation/tracheostomy stenosis (n = 5). Treatment comprised bronchoscopic interventions (n = 9) and surgical procedures (thoracic = 15, head/neck = 5). Using predominantly femoral-jugular cannulation (n = 27), we implemented a minimal anticoagulation protocol (catheter flush with 5U/mL heparin only). All patients survived through 6-month follow-up with minimal ECMO-related complications. CONCLUSION: The application of V-V ECMO with minimal anticoagulation demonstrates safety and efficacy as a bridging support in the therapeutic approach to CAO.

Source: Critical Care

DOI: 10.1186/s13054-024-05219-0