Prolonged total extracorporeal lung assistance without systemic heparinization

A 16-year-old female developed severe ARDS in her single remaining lung following pneumonectomy for blunt trauma. Total extracorporeal lung assist (ECLA) for 40 days using a covalently heparin-coated circuit proved lifesaving. Systemic heparinization was not applied, as the heparinized surface by itself prevented clotting of the extracorporeal circuit. Systemic primary fibrinolysis developed but was not associated with major bleeding. A veno-right ventricular cannulation technique was used and maximum venous drainage for the extracorporeal circulation was achieved by elevating the bed 50 cm from the floor. This allowed extracorporeal blood flow (ECBF) approaching cardiac output (CO) and complete extracorporeal replacement of lung function. After 40 days, lung recovery allowed discontinuation of ECLA. Five days later the patient suffered serious lung collapse and was operated for a bronchopleural fistula. The patient was extubated 4 weeks after terminating ECLA and discharged in good condition 5 weeks later.