Limb amputation following extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy: A case report from Bogotá, Colombia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58814/01208845.755Keywords:
Surgical Amputation, Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, Case ReportAbstract
Introduction: A young patient with no comorbidities who, while receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy, developed extensive necrosis of the right lower limb, ultimately requiring a transfemoral amputation, possibly secondary to the use of vasoactive drugs and/or arterial injury associated with cannulation.
Case Presentation: A 33-year-old male patient with no comorbidities was admitted to a level V referral clinic due to nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms, which subsequently progressed to multiorgan failure. He required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy and developed extensive necrosis of the right lower limb, confirmed by arterial Doppler ultrasound. A transfemoral amputation was performed using a “fish-mouth” incision technique, which led to hemodynamic improvement.
Conclusion: Regardless of the patient’s age and absence of comorbidities, the risk of developing severe ischemia associated with ECMO therapy, vasoactive drugs, and cannulation procedures should be considered.
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