Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Perfluorocarbon in a Therapy Refractory Case of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Abstract

Perfluorocarbons are oxygen-carrying, dense liquids initially intended for the use in partial or total liquid ventilation of patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome but which did not show beneficial effects in clinical studies. However, perfluorocarbons may be used for lung lavage in severe alveolar proteinosis. In acute respiratory distress syndrome, oxygenation may be so severely compromised that the use of nonoxygenated perfluorocarbons may not be possible. We report a case of severe, nonresolving acute respiratory distress syndrome treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to secure oxygenation, using perfluorocarbon in a single instillation to aid the clearance of debris and proteinacous edema.