Veno-venous ECMO intervention for respiratory failure after trauma from a motor vehicle collision

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has emerged as a salvage therapy in refractory respiratory failure. Within the literature, there is evidence to support the use of ECMO in severe thoracic trauma; however, there is minimal information on its applicability in mild to moderate thoracic trauma. This report describes a man in his 50s who suffered thoracic trauma following a motor vehicle accident, who, despite maximal medical therapy, experienced deterioration in respiratory function, requiring the commencement of veno-venous ECMO on day 5 post injury and subsequently achieved excellent functional recovery.