Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2025

Lung Rapid Recovery Procurement Combined with Abdominal Normothermic Regional Perfusion in Controlled Donation after Circulatory Death
Published on: August 15, 2022
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation During Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fractures in Successful Management of Severe
Stephanie Jensen1, Hannah Olson Dabagian2, Kierstin Porter3
1Department of Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, USA.
Abstract:
Early surgical stabilization of rib fracture (SSRF) improves outcomes in patients with flail physiology and severely displaced fractures. We present two cases of patients with severe chest injury and large flail segment who underwent SSRF while on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). The patients developed respiratory failure within 24 hours of admission requiring VV-ECMO. The extent of their chest wall injury limited pulmonary mechanics prohibiting transition off VV-ECMO. Therefore, SSRF was performed on hospital days 2 and 3 and while on VV-ECMO support. Stabilizing the chest wall allowed for improved ventilation and successful decannulation from VV-ECMO on postoperative days 3 and 4. Ultimately, both achieved a functional recovery and were discharged home. These cases demonstrate a unique thoracic damage control strategy wherein SSRF is performed while on VV-ECMO. Improving chest stability and pulmonary mechanics with SSRF allowed for safe transition off VV-ECMO and achieved a favorable long-term outcome.
More Related Videos
15:11Surgical Fixation of Sternal Fractures: Preoperative Planning and a Safe Surgical Technique Using Locked Titanium Plates and Depth Limited Drilling
Published on: January 5, 2015
09:28Intravital Widefield Fluorescence Microscopy of Pulmonary Microcirculation in Experimental Acute Lung Injury Using a Vacuum-Stabilized Imaging System
Published on: April 6, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Flail Chest-I
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
Acute Respiratory Failure-III
Pneumothorax-I
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...