Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge in central airway obstruction: experience from a high-volume center

Abstract Background Perioperative airway management and oxygenation maintenance during central airway obstruction (CAO) treatment pose great challenges. While veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) shows promise as a bridge therapy, optimal implementation and management strategies remain lacking. We present our experience with V-V ECMO in CAO management from a high-volume center. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 29 consecutive patients who received V-V ECMO support for CAO between 2015 and 2023. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, ECMO cannulation and operation parameters, interventional procedures, complications, and outcomes were reviewed. Results Among patients with median airway diameter of 4.5 mm (IQR 2–5 mm), etiologies included primary tumors (n = 17), metastases (n = 7), and post-intubation/tracheostomy stenosis (n = 5). Treatment comprised bronchoscopic interventions (n = 9) and surgical procedures (thoracic = 15, head/neck = 5). Using predominantly femoral-jugular cannulation (n = 27), we implemented a minimal anticoagulation protocol (catheter flush with 5U/mL heparin only). All patients survived through 6-month follow-up with minimal ECMO-related complications. Conclusion The application of V-V ECMO with minimal anticoagulation demonstrates safety and efficacy as a bridging support in the therapeutic approach to CAO.