Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support During Repair of a Noniatrogenic Tracheal Injury

Tracheal trauma is uncommon but carries major morbidity and mortality. A 26-year-old man sustained a near-transection of the cervical trachea due to penetrating trauma. Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support allowed a controlled primary repair with muscular buttress and facilitated airway management. Facial injuries prevented oral intubation, and retrograde intubation through the transection established an airway. On the 10th postoperative day a percutaneous tracheostomy was performed through the surgical site. This case discusses the management, technical details, and adjuncts to successfully repair complex tracheal injuries.