High-energy blunt thoracic trauma is a highly morbid condition. When a pneumonectomy is required in such a setting, the mortality rate increases significantly. Here, we present a case of a motor vehicular crash (MVC) in which the patient suffered bilateral bronchial injuries requiring emergent thoracotomy, pneumonectomy, bronchial stenting, and initiation of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO). The patient ultimately survived his injuries and was able to fully recover. We review the relevant literature in regard to the use of pulmonary stenting and VV ECMO in the setting of thoracic trauma management.
Keywords: bilateral bronchial injury; blunt thoracic trauma; endobronchial stenting; traumatic pneumonectomy; venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
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