The use of extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal in the management of life-threatening bronchospasm due to influenza infection

We report the use of the Novalung interventional Lung Assist extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal device, (Novalung GmbH, Lotzenacker 3, D-72379 Hechingen, Germany) to treat a 46-year-old female with life-threatening bronchospasm secondary to influenza infection. Despite maximal treatment she developed severe hypercapnia and acidosis. The necessity for high inflation pressures led to the development of gross surgical emphysema. Use of the interventional Lung Assist enabled a rapid correction of hypercapnoea and acidosis, allowing a reduction in airway pressures, reducing further barotrauma. Subsequent resolution of the inflammatory process allowed removal of the interventional Lung Assist after 11 days. She was successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation and made a full recovery.