Conclusions
Severe bronchospasm may occur following CPB during aortic surgery in patients with TAAD. Possible inducing events might include preoperative history or presentation of asthma and pneumonia, CPB and hypothermia. The cardiac operating room has the distinct advantage of a cardiac surgeon, cardiac anesthesiologist and perfusionist. Emergency, high-risk surgery complicated by bronchospasm is a very tough situation. ECMO thus serves as an alternative and effective therapy for refractory bronchospasm.