Perioperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in traumatic bronchial avulsion

Traumatic bronchial avulsion is standardly treated with emergent lobectomy versus primary repair. We reviewed our experience with peri-operative use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to manage respiratory failure in two cases of pediatric chest trauma. ECMO can be an effective intervention to overcome respiratory failure, facilitate surgical repair, and promote healing in bronchial injuries as a result of blunt chest trauma in children.