Seventy-seven days on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome from SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) has emerged as a valid supportive intervention for severe COVID-19 pneumonia. In this report we describe the use of prolonged ECMO (77 days) to support a patient with COVID-19, ultimately resulting in lung recovery and discharge home. This report also emphasizes the value of physiotherapy in patients on ECMO and the importance of collaboration between ECMO programs and lung transplant teams in the care of these patients.