Hybrid venoarteriopulmonary extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe respiratory failure and refractory right ventricular injury: A case report

Abstract

Introduction

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides lifesaving support for severe respiratory and cardiac failure. Hybrid modes such as venoarteriopulmonary (VAP) may be necessary when conventional modes fail to meet complex physiological demands.

Case Report

A 31-year-old woman with dermatomyositis-associated interstitial lung disease developed severe respiratory failure. She was initiated on venovenous (VV) ECMO, later complicated by right ventricular injury (RVI) requiring conversion to venopulmonary (VP) ECMO, and ultimately required hybrid VAP ECMO for progressive RVI and cardiogenic shock while awaiting heart-lung transplantation. The unique cannulation configuration provided additional cardiorespiratory support and hemodynamic stabilization, which later enabled safe transfer for transplantation.

Discussion

Hybrid VAP ECMO may provide effective rescue support for patients with refractory RVI and respiratory failure despite VP ECMO, preserve a surgically naïve chest, avoid differential oxygenation, and serve as a bridge to combined heart-lung transplant.

Conclusion

Hybrid VAP ECMO represents an effective salvage strategy and bridge-to-transplant in complex cardiopulmonary failure.