Massive hemoptysis successfully treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and endobronchial thrombolysis

We report the case of a patient with acute respiratory failure associated with massive hemoptysis secondary to lung laceration during cardiac surgery. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation allowed patient survival. However, due to the great difficulty in managing pulmonary clots after hemoptysis, it was necessary to use an unusual therapy involving endobronchial infusion of a thrombolytic agent as described in rare cases in the literature.
Source: Revista Brasileira de Terapia Intensiva - Category: Intensive Care Source Type: research