Heparin-free veno-venous ECMO applied to a patient with severe lung contusion and hypovolemic shock due to trauma

Abstract

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) plays a crucial role when the lung is extensively damaged and when conventional management has failed. ECMO provides adequate tissue oxygenation and an opportunity for lung recovery. However, ECMO remains contraindicated in patients with a risk of bleeding because of systemic anticoagulation during the treatment. A 26-year-old female experienced polytrauma due to a traffic accident 1 h before arrival. Simple chest radiography and chest computed tomography showed a large right hemopneumothorax with atelectasis of the right lung and severe contusion of the left lung. Heparin-free VV-ECMO was applied peripherally via both femoral veins. Under the ECMO support, right lower lobectomy was successfully performed. Although contraindicated in polytraumatic patients with hemorrhagic shock, surgical repair with the application of ECMO may be feasible if bleeding is well controlled. The patient was discharged without significant complications.