A Bridge to Nowhere: Enabling Autonomy in a Case of Failed ECMO Rescue of Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Toxicity

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be a life-saving intervention in cases of potentially reversible refractory respiratory failure. One such indication bleomycin-induced lung injury. However, some cases, the injury so severe that it becomes irreversible and creates complex medical decisions regarding life support continuation care when no additional therapeutic options are feasible, particularly patients who were young fully functional prior to an acute illness. In full pulmonary replacement with mechanical degree functionality attained utilizing modalities as ECMO obscure true severity illness make end-of-life significantly harder for families caregivers.