Integrative respiratory support during thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair in a patient with severe lung disease: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair is a highly complicated procedure, especially among patients with severe lung disease, resulting in respiratory problems during and after the surgery. Herein, we designed a novel intraoperative respiratory support to address this. Case presentation An open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair was performed on a 65-year-old man who had severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with a giant right lung bulla. One-and-a-half lung ventilation by left lower lobe blockade was maintained during the operation to avoid right barotrauma. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was established with venous cannulas in the right internal jugular vein and left femoral vein for elective venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). After aortic repair and withdrawal from CPB, the VV-ECMO was consecutively initiated using the same circuit by connecting the arterial cannula to the right internal jugular venous cannula. The patient maintained adequate oxygenation during hemostasis under the support of VV-ECMO after protamine was administered. He was weaned from VV-ECMO in the operating room and discharged without any complications. Conclusion Partial bronchial blockage and intraoperative VV-ECMO using the same circuit of CPB were useful methods for severe lung disease during a thoracoabdominal aortic repair.