Early Institution of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Primary Graft Dysfunction After Lung Transplantation Improves Outcome

Our data suggest that, in addition to prolonged ventilation and pharmacologic support, ECMO should be considered as a bridge to recovery from PGD in lung transplantation. Early institution of ECMO may lead to diminished mortality in the setting of ALI despite the high incidence of MOF. Late institution of ECMO was associated with 100% mortality in this investigation.