This is a case report of a 33-year-old patient, female, with adult respiratory distress syndrome following coronary by-pass graft surgery. Innitially the patient was supported with mechanical ventilation and PEEP (end expiratory positive pressure) and negative fluid balance. After seven days the FIO2 was 100% and PaO2 under 50 mmHg. A membrane oxygenator device (ECCO2R) was installed to improve arterial oxygenation and CO2 remotion, according to the following protocol: curarization, low tidal volume, and respiratory frequency at the minimal values (under 5). After 8 days there was an improvement in arterial oxygenation; the device was removed. The mechanical ventilation was maintained until the 57 th post operative day. After 4 months of follow-up the patient was in good conditions.
syndrome of respiratory distress; syndrome of respiratory distress