title: Extracorporeal lung assist in the adult trauma patient.
abstract: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common complication of trauma and critical illness. Despite medical advances, the mortality associated with this disease process remains consistently around 50%. Extracorporeal lung assist (ECLA) is a therapeutic alternative to conventional mechanical ventilation. This therapy removes all or a substantial percentage of total body carbon dioxide production, allowing for much lower ventilator support and facilitating "lung rest". Although the use of ECLA is controversial, it represents a viable option for patients with severe respiratory failure.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Cottingham
authors.forename: N M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Habashi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015199:Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000150:complications*; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*