PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Emmanuel Martinod AU - Ana-Maria Portela AU - Yurdagül Uzunhan AU - Olivia Freynet AU - Salam Abou Taam AU - Florent Vinas AU - Stephane Dominique AU - Yacine Tandjaoui-Lambiotte AU - Manuel Otero-Lopez AU - Elie Zogheib AU - Guillaume Lebreton TI - Elective extra corporeal membrane oxygenation for high-risk rigid bronchoscopy AID - 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-214740 DP - 2020 Nov 01 TA - Thorax PG - 994--997 VI - 75 IP - 11 4099 - http://thorax.bmj.com/content/75/11/994.short 4100 - http://thorax.bmj.com/content/75/11/994.full SO - Thorax2020 Nov 01; 75 AB - The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for high-risk rigid bronchoscopy has been reported in few urgent cases. We report our experience with this approach which was planned electively in five cases on 202 procedures (2.5%). It was proposed because of the potential inability to ventilate the lungs using conventional techniques due to extensive tracheobronchial lesions or the risk of major intraoperative bleeding related to disease characteristics. There were no intraoperative complications and postoperative course was favourable in all patients. With a maximum follow-up of 3 years and 7 months, all patients are alive with no tracheostomy despite major morbidities.