Extracorporeal support in airway surgery

Area of Science:

• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Respiratory Medicine
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is gaining traction in major airway surgery.
• It supports gas exchange during endoscopic procedures for critical airway obstruction.
• ECLS offers benefits like an uncluttered surgical field and easier dissection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the published experience of ECLS in airway surgery.
• To highlight currently available ECLS devices and their specific indications.
• To discuss ECLS application in both adult and pediatric patients undergoing airway procedures.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of studies reporting ECLS use in airway surgery.
• Analysis of data regarding device types, patient populations (adults/pediatrics), and surgical indications.
• Evaluation of the risk profile associated with ECLS in these contexts.

Main Results:

• ECLS facilitates complex airway reconstructions and maintains gas exchange.
• It is utilized in lung transplantation and extended tumor resections.
• Published data indicate an acceptable risk profile for ECLS in airway surgery.

Conclusions:

• ECLS is a valuable tool for complex airway surgery, offering significant advantages.
• Available ECLS devices and their indications are crucial for successful application.
• Further research and experience sharing will continue to refine ECLS use in airway interventions.