Clinical neurology and neurosurgery
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Clin Neurol Neurosurg · Mar 2008
Case ReportsExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation resuscitation for traumatic brain injury after decompressive craniotomy.
Acute cardiopulmonary failure in patients with increased intracranial pressure is a significant management challenge to physicians. We report on a 21-year-old patient with traumatic brain injury who developed intractable hypoxemia and hypotension after undergoing a decompressive craniotomy. ⋯ Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is considered contraindicated in patients with intracranial bleeding because systemic heparin is needed during the support of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. We describe our successful experience in tackling this dilemma.