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Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in a Mouse
Published on: October 24, 2018
Unexpected complication during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support: Ventilator associated systemic air
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Kangwon National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kangwon National Univerity, Chuncheon 24289, South Korea.
Abstract:
Systemic air embolism through a bronchovenous fistula (BVF) has been described in patients undergoing positive-pressure ventilation. However, no report has mentioned the potential risks of systemic air embolism through a BVF in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Positive-pressure ventilation and ECMO support in patients with lung injury can increase the risk of systemic air embolism through a BVF. Increased alveolar pressure, decreased pulmonary venous pressure, and anticoagulation are thought to be the factors that contribute to this complication. Here, we present a case of systemic air embolism in a patient with ECMO and mechanical ventilator support.
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