Use of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to urgent lung transplantation in a case of acute respiratory failure

Transplant Proc. 2009 May;41(4):1345-6. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2009.02.065.

Abstract

Several transplant centers consider pretransplant extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a contraindication for lung transplantation because of the poor outcomes. However, some technical improvements have changed the scenario; there is increasing evidence of ECMO efficacy as a bridge to lung transplantation. This report describes the successful use of venovenous ECMO as a bridge to an urgent bilateral lung transplantation and as treatment for primary graft dysfunction in a case of hyperacute pulmonary fibrosis in a 58-year-old man. Our experience demonstrated that ECMO, using Quadrox, supported respiratory functions for 28 days without any detrimental effects, serving as a successfully bridge to urgent lung transplantation.

MeSH terms

  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation / methods*
  • Humans
  • Lung Transplantation*
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / surgery
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / therapy*