Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation combined with hemoperfusion to assist in the rescue of aconitine poisoning: A case report

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been widely used as a clinical bridge for cardiopulmonary failure. We recently used combined veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and haemoperfusion to successfully treat a patient with acute aconitine poisoning. The patient was admitted to the Emergency Intensive Care Unit (EICU) in a state of coma and shock. Her received comprehensive treatment, including haemoperfusion and anti-shock therapy. 40 minutes after admission, the patient experienced sudden respiratory and cardiac arrest. After conventional defibrillation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation proved ineffective, veno-arterial ECMO was immediately initiated. One hour after initiation of VA-ECMO, the patient’s heart rhythm stabilised to sinus rhythm. After 33 h of supportive care, the patient was awake, haemodynamically stable and the VA-ECMO was successfully removed. The patient made full recovery 7 days after admission.