Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in the setting of penetrating traumatic injuries

Currently, no absolute contraindications to the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support exist. However, the presence of penetrating traumatic injuries is often considered a relative contraindication to ECMO support. In this study, we aim to assess whether penetrating traumatic injuries should be considered a contraindication to the use of ECMO support, and how to better select patients who may benefit from this therapy.

In this paper, we present the findings of a retrospective review of all patients at a large, level 1 trauma center who received ECMO support following penetrating traumatic injuries. We describe the use of ECMO in these patients along with the complications associated with this therapy.

In this study we show penetrating traumatic injuries should not be considered a contraindication to ECMO support, and how ECMO can be a useful treatment strategy in selected patients with these injuries.