Prophylactic use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for complete traumatic tracheal rupture: A case report

Traumatic tracheal rupture is a rare, critical, and life-threatening injury, which could quickly result in asphyxia, even cardiac and respiratory arrest. We managed the case of a 19-year-old female student who suffered a neck injury due to an impact with a bulldozer. A CT scan revealed a complete rupture of the trachea. Tracheal intubation was performed due to respiratory failure. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy showed that the tracheal tube's tip was completely obstructed by soft tissue, allowing ventilation only through the tube's side port. After the prophylactic use of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, the patient was safely transferred to a higher-level hospital for early tracheal reconstruction surgery, resulting in satisfactory postoperative tracheal recovery. This case underscores the critical need for early diagnosis of tracheal rupture, the significance of evaluating airway patency, and the importance of early surgical intervention. Prophylactic use of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is advocated to maintain adequate oxygen supply for safe undergoing early tracheal reconstruction surgery.