Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Pulmonary Resection for Necrotizing Pneumonia

Abstract

We describe the case of a 35-year-old man who presented in respiratory failure after influenza B infection requiring initiation of veno-venous extra-corporeal membranous oxygenation (VV-ECMO) and eventual pulmonary resection for necrotizing pneumonia. Following a successful wean off VV-ECMO, and once hemodynamically stable, he was taken to the operating room for decortication and left pulmonary resection. Recovery was complicated by persistent airleak requiring placement of endobronchial valves, but otherwise he recovered very well. This case demonstrates the benefits of lung resection for necrotizing pneumonia.