Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and CO2 removal in an adult after near drowning.

Near drowning is a common event among otherwise healthy young people. The development of ARDS in the setting may significantly increase mortality. The traditional means of ventilation may lead to barotrauma. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an effective means to improve oxygenation and remove carbon dioxide, while allowing the lungs to recover from the acute insult. It may be especially successful in those victims with single organ injury. We report the use of ECMO in a young adult with ARDS and pneumonia after near drowning.