Acquired tracheomalacia due to aortic aneurysm managed with venopulmonary extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for perioperative support

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has diverse applications. In the present report, we have described a case of tracheomalacia from a thoracic aortic aneurysm causing respiratory failure. Total arch replacement with reverse frozen elephant trunk grafting was performed. Perioperative ECMO support was accomplished with venopulmonary artery ECMO. This strategy allowed for preoperative oxygenation support, venous drainage during cardiopulmonary bypass, and postoperative support without cannula exchanges. Our patient required ECMO support for 12 days postoperatively. We have illustrated a unique case of acquired tracheomalacia but also an ECMO cannulation strategy allowing for preoperative oxygenation, seamless transition to cardiopulmonary bypass, and postoperative support.

Keywords

• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
• Tracheomalacia
• Veno-venous