Awake ECMO for Mid‐Tracheal Obstruction: When a Tracheostomy Isn't Enough

Key Points

• Awake VV-ECMO provides effective airway control, potentially saving patients with severe tracheal obstruction.
• Patients experienced near-complete tracheal obstruction, with airway management challenging due to intubation and tracheostomy risks.
• Early multidisciplinary coordination facilitated interventions, including tumor debulking and stenting for airway clearance.
• Findings highlight the need for innovative approaches in managing severe airway obstructions in clinical practice.