Successful usage of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge therapy for acute pulmonary embolism between hospitals

A 50-year-old man presented to a nearby hospital with loss of consciousness. Investigation revealed thrombus formation at the tricuspid valve. Due to suspected pulmonary embolism, the patient underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography during which he went into a shock with sudden drop in functional oxygen saturation (SpO2). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was introduced for cardiovascular and respiratory support, and he was transferred to our hospital for further treatment. The patient was treated by surgical thromboembolectomy and was dismissed from the hospital without major complications. We have experienced a case where ECMO was successfully used for cardiovascular and respiratory support, serving as a bridge therapy between hospitals.