Airway management in a critically ill patient with novel coronavirus pneumonia undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Abstract

This article summarizes the nursing experience in a critically ill patient with novel coronavirus pneumonia after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment for lung function improvement. After oral intubation-assisted ventilation, anti-infection, and other symptomatic support treatments, the patient was still unable to breathe without the ventilator. For the sustained carbon dioxide retention and severe gas exchange impairment, he was treated with tracheotomy and ECMO. During the treatment, a series of nursing measures to improve lung function were adopted, such as sputum suction care, atomized inhalation therapy, bronchial irrigation, and lateral ventilation combined with postural drainage. After 7 days of ECMO treatment and nursing, the patient's lung function improved and then he was weaned from the machine.