VV‐ECMO as bridge and safety net for successful therapeutic polypragmasy in a case of influenza‐triggered near‐fatal asthma

Abstract

Key Clinical Message In near‐fatal asthma, the combination of ECMO therapy and isoflurane application via an intensive care ventilator with an anesthetic conservation device represents a therapeutic combination in seemingly hopeless clinical situations. Abstract We report a case of an adult patient with near‐fatal asthma, who was implanted venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in an extern hospital before transfer to our tertiary center. After 13 days and various therapeutic approaches, including inhaled isoflurane therapy via an anesthetic‐conserving device, the patient was decannulated and extubated 3 days later.

Keywords

• asthma
• extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
• mechanical ventilation
• respiratory failure