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.