Introduction:

Tracheal trauma is a rare condition that can be caused by open, closed, or iatrogenic trauma; its clinical presentation is variable and the diagnosis is usually clinical, supported by chest X-ray, thoracic CT and bronchoscopy. Its management represents a medical and surgical challenge, requiring multiple tools for the proper treatment of this entity. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy has been widely used in the management of patients with acute ventilatory failure in whom conventional methods of mechanical ventilation are insufficient to ensure adequate oxygenation of the patient.

Case report:

We present the case of a patient with a surgically repaired iatrogenic tracheal lesion conducted with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to maintain tissue oxygenation and assure recuperation and survival.

Conclusions:

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy is an excellent alternative for the surgical management of complex tracheal lesions that threaten the patient’s life, allowing vital support and adequate gas exchange during the procedure.

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