Preparedness for rapid veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation introduction for pediatric severe acute respiratory distress syndrome: a case report

Abstract

Case: Previous research has suggested that venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vvECMO) is useful for patients refractory to conventional therapy. We report a pediatric case of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection with a good outcome following rapid initiation of vvECMO. This patient was a 13-year-old boy with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome due to influenza virus. Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome according to the Berlin definition, Murray score of 3.3, and severe air leak syndrome were found. Outcome: Puncture for the cannula began 67 min after admission, and vvECMO management was rapidly initiated within 90 min after admission. Introduction of vvECMO required 23 min to complete. The patient was weaned from vvECMO on day 5 and he was discharged home without any complication. Conclusion: It is essential to prepare a system that enables the rapid introduction of vvECMO for children in the emergency center.