Amniotic Fluid Embolism Successfully Managed With Extracorporeal Life Support and Damage Control Surgery: A Case Report

Background Amniotic fluid embolism can lead to severe complications, including cardiac arrest, a significant cause of maternal mortality. Case Presentation A 36‐year‐old woman with postpartum hemorrhage was transported to our hospital. Shortly after her arrival, she experienced cardiac arrest and required immediate extracorporeal life support. A hysterectomy was performed, but persistent bleeding necessitated open abdomen management for damage control to stabilize the patient′s condition. On the second day, she was successfully weaned from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, followed by catheter removal and complete abdominal closure. The patient was discharged with no neurological sequelae. Pathological examination of the hysterectomy specimen confirmed amniotic fluid embolism. Conclusion Extracorporeal life support may be effective as a last resort for cardiac arrest due to amniotic fluid embolism, and damage control surgery may be beneficial for managing intractable bleeding.