Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery (Jul 2024)

Pneumonectomy following penetrating trauma with ECMO as postoperative support: case report – (Lung trauma and ECMO)

  • Álvaro Ignacio Sánchez-Ortiz,
  • Diego Peña-González,
  • Alberto F. García,
  • Diego Fernando Bautista-Rincón,
  • Carlos Alejandro García-González,
  • Alejandro Moreno-Angarita,
  • Astrid Carolina Álvarez-Ortega,
  • Nicolas Felipe Torres-España,
  • Eduardo Alberto Cadavid-Alvear,
  • Mauricio Velásquez-Galvis

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13019-024-02862-0
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 19, no. 1
pp. 1 – 6

Abstract

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Abstract Background Penetrating thoracic injuries have a significant risk of morbi-mortality. Despite the advancements in damage control methods, a subset of patients with severe pulmonary vascular lesions and bronchial injuries persists. In some of these cases, post-traumatic pneumonectomy is required, and perioperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support may be required due to right ventricular failure and respiratory failure. Case description A male was brought to the emergency department (ED) with a penetrating thoracic injury, presenting with massive right hemothorax and active bleeding that required ligation of the right pulmonary hilum to control the bleeding. Subsequently, he developed right ventricular dysfunction and ARDS, necessitating a dynamic hybrid ECMO configuration to support his condition and facilitate recovery. Conclusions Penetrating thoracic injuries with severe pulmonary vascular lesions may need pneumonectomy to control bleeding. ECMO support reduces the associated mortality by decreasing the complications rate. A multidisciplinary team is essential to achieve good outcomes in severe compromised patients.

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