Severe Bronchospasm During Aortic Surgery for Type A Aortic Dissection

Severe bronchospasm during cardiopulmonary bypass is an unusual but potentially fatal event. No literature previously has reported such an event observed during surgery for type A aortic dissection. Herein, we report on a case of severe bronchospasm following cardiopulmonary bypass, during aortic surgery for type A aortic dissection. Bronchospasm did not respond to any conventional therapy, necessitating extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation thus serves as an alternative and effective therapy for refractory bronchospasm.

Automated summary

Severe bronchospasm during cardiopulmonary bypass is a rare but potentially fatal event. This case report highlights the occurrence of severe bronchospasm during surgery for type A aortic dissection. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is presented as an alternative and effective therapy for refractory bronchospasm.