Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation used in a massive lung bleeding following pulmonary endarterectomy

Prague Med Rep. 2012;113(4):299-302. doi: 10.14712/23362936.2015.14.

Abstract

The authors present a case of massive lung bleeding following pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) that was treated with peripheral veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO). The patient repeatedly underwent bronchoscopy for airway blood clot obstruction and finally was successfully weaned off the support. The authors discuss the indications for ECMO in treatment of the most serious complications following PEA, and emphasize the importance of echocardiographic evaluation of the right ventricular function in relation to the indicated type of extracorporeal support. Anticoagulation strategy for patients shortly after the major surgery connected to ECMO is also discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Endarterectomy* / adverse effects
  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Hemorrhage / therapy*
  • Pulmonary Artery / surgery*