Romano J, Dufur M, Monedero P
Departamento de Anestesiología y Cuidados Intensivos de la Universidad de Navarra.
Rev Esp Anestesiol Reanim. 2011 Mar;58(3):174-7. doi: 10.1016/s0034-9356(11)70026-3.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used in the treatment of severe respiratory failure that is potentially reversible. This mode of therapy reduces ventilator-associated lung injury. Although ECMO is costly and not free of complications, its early application by experienced multidisciplinary teams can improve survival. We report a case of acute respiratory distress syndrome in a patient who had received a liver transplant. Respiratory failure was unresponsive to conventional treatment and the patient required ECMO until recovery.