Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in traumatic tracheal injuries: a bold life-saving option

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of cardiopulmonary life-support, and may be very useful in selected cases as traumatic tracheo-bronchial injuries, allowing an efficient gas exchange where ventilation is not feasible. Even if, nowadays, little used, ECMO is an additional arrow in the quiver of the doctors, especially in challenging cases.