Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in oncological thoracic surgery

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems
• Surgical Oncology
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Extracorporeal lung support (ECLS) is a developing technique in thoracic surgery.
• Initially for lung transplantation, it is now used in oncological thoracic procedures.
• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) represents a cutting-edge application within this field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of ECMO in oncological thoracic surgery.
• To classify and discuss surgical procedures benefiting from ECMO.
• To highlight scenarios where ECMO is particularly advantageous.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on ECMO in oncological thoracic surgery.
• Classification of procedures based on ECMO's role and benefits.
• Discussion of specific surgical contexts and patient populations.

Main Results:

• ECMO is beneficial in lung surgeries where adequate ventilation is challenging (e.g., single-lung patients).
• It facilitates procedures where conventional ventilation interferes with the surgical field (e.g., tracheal or carinal surgery).
• ECMO provides essential ventilatory and hemodynamic support for complex conventional procedures.

Conclusions:

• ECMO is a valuable tool in select oncological thoracic surgical procedures.
• Its application is typically seen in centers with extensive experience in both ECMO and major thoracic surgery.
• Further evidence from experienced centers supports its role in improving surgical outcomes.