COVID-19 Patient Bridged to Recovery with Veno-Venous Extracorporeal
Membrane Oxygenation
Abstract
Background: In severe cases, the COVID-19 viral pathogen produces
hypoxic respiratory failure unable to be adequately supported by
mechanical ventilation. The role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
(ECMO) remains unknown, with the few publications to date lacking
detailed patient information or management algorithms all while
reporting excessive mortality. Methods: Case report from a prospectively
maintained institutional ECMO database for COVID-19. Results: We
describe veno-venous (VV) ECMO in a COVID-19 positive woman with hypoxic
respiratory dysfunction failing mechanical ventilation support while
prone and receiving inhaled pulmonary vasodilator therapy. After nine
days of complex management secondary to her hyperdynamic circulation,
ECMO support was successfully weaned to supine mechanical ventilation
and the patient was ultimately discharged from the hospital.
Conclusions: With proper patient selection and careful attention to
hemodynamic management, ECMO remains a reasonable treatment option for
COVID-19 patients.