Erector spinae plane block facilitating rapid weaning in an anticoagulated V-V ECMO patient with chest trauma.
Rohit P Silhi, Chris Langrish, Luigi Camporota
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 64-year-old man with flail chest and severe respiratory failure after chest trauma required invasive ventilation and veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO). An erector spinae plane block was performed on day 3. He was subsequently extubated, mobilised and able to clear secretions; ECMO was discontinued after six days, and he was discharged 18 days after injury.
What made this case unusual
The block was used in an anticoagulated patient receiving V-V ECMO, with the report describing it as a feasible regional anaesthetic approach in this setting.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
In this case, an erector spinae plane block supported extubation, mobilisation and secretion clearance after flail-chest trauma, helping facilitate liberation from respiratory support.
Why it matters
The report illustrates a potential role for regional anaesthesia in supporting awake ECMO and physiotherapy in severe chest trauma.