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Use of flexible bronchoscopy in pediatric patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support

Pradip P Kamat1, Jonathan Popler, Joel Davis

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. pkee72@hotmail.com

Pediatric Pulmonology
|August 5, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is safe and effective for critically ill children on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This procedure aids in managing respiratory complications and offers diagnostic and therapeutic benefits.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric critical care medicine
  • Pulmonology
  • Cardiopulmonary support

Background:

  • Critically ill children on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) often develop respiratory issues.
  • Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) can evaluate these complications, but its safety and efficacy in this patient group are not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of flexible bronchoscopy (FB) in pediatric patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 153 flexible bronchoscopies (FBs) performed on 79 children supported by ECMO.
  • Data collected included patient demographics, clinical findings, and complications.
  • Chest radiographs and physiological variables were assessed before and after FB.

Main Results:

  • FB was performed for airway secretion clearance (77%) and infection evaluation (17%).
  • Common findings included tenacious, mucoid, and mucopurulent secretions.
  • No significant changes in vital signs, ECMO parameters, or lung radiographic findings were observed post-FB. Minor post-procedural bleeding occurred in 35% of cases, resolving spontaneously.

Conclusions:

  • Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is a well-tolerated and safe procedure for critically ill pediatric patients on ECMO.
  • FB provides both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits in this population.
Abstract

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