Abstract
BackgroundBronchial rupture in children is a rare but dangerous complication after chest trauma that has been associated with increased mortality. Veno-venous (V-V) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is reported as one of the treatments for this life-threatening complication.Case presentationA 4-year-old boy who suffered from bronchial rupture and traumatic wet lung complicated by cardiac arrest after chest trauma was admitted to an adult ECMO center. He had two cardiac arrests-one before and one during the operation. The total duration of cardiac arrest was 30 minutes. V-V ECMO was initiated because of severe hypoxia and carbon dioxide retention during the operation. ECMO was performed for 6 days, and mechanical ventilation lasted 11 days. On the 31st day after the operation, he recovered completely and discharged without neurological deficit.ConclusionV-V ECMO can be considered for support in children with severe acute respiratory failure after bronchial rupture. In an emergency, V-V ECMO can be carried out effectively in a qualified and experienced adult ECMO center. But the application of ECMO in children is different from that in adults and requires more refined management.
Bronchial rupture secondary to blunt chest trauma.
