Treatment of Refractory Intraoperative Hypoxemia After Trauma With Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Case Report

Survival of a patient who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation due to postoperative myocardial infarction: A case report

BACKGROUND

Cardiac arrest after noncardiac surgery is a dangerous complication that may contribute to mortality. Because of the high mortality rate and many complications of cardiac arrest, it is very important to identify and correct a reversible etiology early. By reporting the treatment process of this case, we aimed to broaden the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrest after noncardiac surgery and describe how cardiopulmonary resuscitation using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can improve a patient’s chance of survival.

CASE SUMMARY

A 69-year-old man visited our hospital complaining of low back pain on July 12, 2021. Magnetic resonance imaging showed lumbar disc herniation. Two hours after lumbar disc herniation surgery, the patient developed cardiac arrest. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed, and ECMO was started 60 min after the initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Regarding the etiology of early cardiac arrest after surgery, acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism were considered first. Based on ultrasound evaluation, acute myocardial infarction appeared more likely. Coronary angiography confirmed occlusion of the left anterior descending branch, and coronary artery stenting was performed. Pulmonary artery angiography was performed to exclude pulmonary embolism. Due to heparinization during ECMO and coronary angiography, there was a large amount of oozing blood in the surgical incision. Therefore, heparin-free ECMO was performed in the early stage, and routine heparinized ECMO was performed after hemorrhage stabilization. Eventually, the patient was discharged and made a full neurologic recovery.

CONCLUSION

For early postoperative cardiac arrest, acute myocardial infarction should be considered first, and heparin should be used with caution.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in trauma patients: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has evolved considerably over the past two decades and has been gradually utilized in severe trauma. However, the indications for the use of ECMO in trauma remain uncertain and the clinical outcomes are different. We performed a systematic review to provide an overall estimate of the current performance of ECMO in the treatment of trauma patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched PubMed and MEDLINE databases up to the end of December 2019 for studies on ECMO in trauma. The PRISMA statement was followed. Data on demographics of the patient, mechanism of injury, injury severity scores (ISS), details of ECMO strategies, and clinical outcome were extracted.

RESULTS

A total of 58 articles (19 retrospective reports and 39 case reports) were deemed eligible and included. In total, 548 patients received ECMO treatment for severe trauma (adult 517; children 31; mean age of adults 34.9 ± 12.3 years). Blunt trauma (85.4%) was the primary injury mechanism, and 128 patients had traumatic brain injury (TBI). The mean ISS was 38.1 ± 15.0. A total of 71.3% of patients were initially treated with VV ECMO, and 24.5% were placed on VA ECMO. The median time on ECMO was 9.6 days, and the median time to ECMO was 5.7 days. A total of 60% of patients received initially heparin anticoagulation. Bleeding (22.9%) and thrombosis (19%) were the most common complications. Ischemia of the lower extremities occurred in 9 patients. The overall hospital mortality was 30.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

ECMO has been gradually utilized in a lifesaving capacity in severe trauma patients, and the feasibility and advantages of this technique are becoming widely accepted. The safety and effectiveness of ECMO in trauma require further study. Several problems with ECMO in trauma, including the role of VA-ECMO, the time to institute ECMO, and the anticoagulation strategy remain controversial and must be solved in future studies.

Thoracic trauma in military settings: a review of current practices and recommendations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To examine current literature on thoracic trauma related to military combat and to explore its relevance to the civilian population.

RECENT FINDINGS

Damage control resuscitation (DCR) has improved the management of hemorrhaging trauma patients. Permissive hypotension below 110 mmHg and antifibrinolytic use during DCR is widely accepted, whereas the use of freeze-dried plasma and whole blood is gaining popularity. The Modified Physiologic Triaging Tool can be used for primary triage and it may have applications in civilian trauma systems. Although Tactical Combat Casualty Care protocol recommends the Cric-Key device for surgical cricothyroidotomies, other devices may offer comparable performance. Recommendations for regional anesthesia after blunt trauma are not well defined. Increasing amounts of evidence favor the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for refractory hypoxemia and resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) for severe hemorrhage. REBOA outcomes are potentially improved by partial occlusion and small 7 Fr catheters.

SUMMARY

The Global War on Terror has provided opportunities to better understand and treat thoracic trauma in military settings. Trauma registries and other data sources have contributed to significant advancements in the management of thoracic trauma in military and civilian populations.