Objective
To explore the feasibility and safety of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to support the airway reconstruction for the patients with airway obstruction or stenosis who cannot be ventilated routinely.
Methods
There were 3 patients received trachea reconstruction procedures assisted by ECMO. Among the patients, 2 cases with tracheal neoplasms underwent fibrobrochoscopy treatments, another one with endotracheal stenosis and fistula received tracheoplasty and semi-tracheostomy.
Results
ECMO can provide enough oxygenation for the patients with airway obstruction or stenosis and more time for advanced therapies. All three patients recovered after interventional surgeries, in whom one case died due to multiple organ failure caused by esophageal carcinoma metastasis after 3 months, and the others survived with dyspnea classification of 2-3 grade.
Conclusion
ECMO can be a safe and effective approch for the patients who cannot be ventilated conventionally in airway reconstruction.
