Long distance road transport of a patient with Wegener's Granulomatosis and respiratory failure using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Abstract

Wegener's Granulomatosis is a necrotizing vasculitis that in its most severe form can cause respiratory failure, renal failure and subglottic stenosis requiring surgical airway access. We describe the use of portable extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and the long distance road transport of a patient with Wegener's Granulomatosis who developed respiratory failure that was refractory to conventional mechanical ventilation. We have demonstrated the effective use of portable extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for stabilization and safe acute interhospital transfer over a long distance by road ambulance to a tertiary centre for further management.