Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe respiratory failure during thoracic aortic aneurysm repair

We present a case of successful management for severe respiratory failure during thoracic aortic aneurysm repair by applying extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The patient was a 71-year-old man who was diagnosed as thoracic aortic aneurysm and coronary artery stenosis. Severe respiratory failure occurred during operation because of pulmonary hemorrhage, and it was difficult to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass. ECMO was provided for improvement of oxygenation and CO2 removal. Pulmonary hemorrhage was controlled by strict management of coagulation system, and ECMO was discontinued after improvement of oxygenation on the 4th postoperative day. It is considered that early application of ECMO was effective in this case.