First Successful Surgical Reconstruction of Bilateral Transected Main Bronchi With Extracorporeal Membrane...

Complex tracheobronchial injuries, especially if both main bronchi are involved, are life threatening and their diagnosis and successful treatment concerning short-term as well as long-term results are most challenging. This is the first report on a successful reconstruction of a complex bilateral bronchial injury under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. We present the course from prehospital treatment, establishment of ECMO in the emergency room to initial bronchoscopy, operative reconstruction, and intensive care therapy. Under these special circumstances ECMO provided a stable respiratory situation not only preoperatively but also intraoperatively without aggravating a compensated bronchial situation under aggressive ventilation.