RESUMO
Novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is a severe respiratory infection leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome [ARDS] accounting for thousands of cases and deaths across the world. Several alternatives in treatment options have been assessed and used in this patient population. However, when mechanical ventilation and prone positioning are unsuccessful, venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation [VV-ECMO] may be used. We present a case of a 62-year-old female, diabetic, admitted to the intensive care unit with fever, flu-like symptoms and a positive COVID-19 test. Ultimately, she worsened on mechanical ventilation and prone positioning and required VV-ECMO. The use of VV-ECMO in COVID-19 infected patients is still controversial. While some studies have shown a high mortality rate despite aggressive treatment, such as in our case, the lack of large sample size studies and treatment alternatives places healthcare providers against a wall without options in patients with severe refractory ARDS due to COVID-19