Abstract
We report the use of the Novalung® interventional Lung Assist Extra corporeal carbon dioxide removal (Novalung GmbH, Lotzenacker3, D-72379 Hechingen, Germany) to treat a 46-year-old female with life threatening bronchospasm secondary to influenza infection. Despite maximal treatment she develope hypercapnia and acidosis. The necessity for high inflation pressures led to the development of gross emphysema. Use of the interventional Lung Assist enabled a rapid correction of hypercapnoea and allowing a reduction in airway pressures, reducing further barotrauma. Subsequent resolution inflammatory process allowed removal of the interventional Lung Assist after 11 days. She was successfully from mechanical ventilation and made a full recovery.