Membrana de circulación extracorpórea en enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19) informe de un caso

INTRODUCTION: The role of the use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is under discussion. Whereas in patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) the ECMO is a usual rescue measure used to optimize the oxygenation as a bridge to pulmonary rehabilitation, in patients that have refractory hypoxemic respiratory failure with recovery potential, the use of ECMO could also be beneficial. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work is to report the first case of COVID-19 that required ECMO in Argentina, with a good response. METHODOLOGY: We describe the first case of COVID-19 that required ECMO in Argentina, in a patient without comorbidities, with good clinical results. RESULTS: The use of ECMO in the reported case provided a substantial benefit in oxygenation, acting as a bridge to lung recovery, without presenting complications associated with its application. CONCLUSION: In critically ill patients with refractory hypoxemia, but with high recovery potential, ECMO support can be considered as a rescue measure.