A Case of Metastatic Tumor Totally Obstructing Lower Trachea Removed by Ventilating Bronchoscopy and Suspension Laryngoscope With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Abstract

A patient diagnosed with advanced lung cancer developed severe dyspnea after chemotherapy. Metastatic tumor completely obstructing the lower trachea was revealed by bronchoscopy. Emergent surgery was required but it was difficult to perform open tracheal surgery and maintain sufficient ventilation with tracheal intubation because of location and size of the tumor. After consultation with an esthesiologist, respiratory physician and cardiothoracic surgeon, we performed surgery with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) without intubation. We report a rare case of a successfully removed metastatic tumor in the airway under the support of ECMO.