[A case report of successful treatment using ECMO in severe status asthmaticus during open heart surgery]

A 6-year-old boy who had a history of asthma attack since 3 years old, but whose symptom was well controlled with medication received a radical operation for ASD. During the operation, he suffered from severe asthma attack. In blood gas analysis, PCO2 was increased to 302 mmHg with a decrease of pH to 6.740. Every conventional treatment for asthma attack was not effective, and then extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO was performed within 2 hours after operation. Blood gas data normalized and his hemodynamic condition was well maintained by ECMO. After 4 hours 20 minutes, he was weaned off from ECMO. Post operative course was uneventful except for pneumothorax.