Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support During Repair of a Non-Iatrogenic Tracheal Injury.

Tracheal trauma is uncommon but carries major morbidity and mortality. A 26-year-old male sustained a near-transection of the cervical trachea due to penetrating trauma. Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support allowed for a controlled primary repair with muscular buttress and facilitated airway management. Facial injuries prevented oral intubation and retrograde intubation through the transection established an airway. On the tenth post-operative day, a percutaneous tracheostomy was performed through the surgical site. This case discusses the management, technical details, and adjuncts to successfully repair complex tracheal injuries.