# Bronchoscopic Resection of High-Risk Tracheal Leiomyoma With Extracorporeal Membranous Oxygenation (ECMO) Standby: A Case Report Highlighting Multidisciplinary Approach

**Authors:** Jesse Liou, Ghassan Habib, Michael Wolf, Ronak Desai, Wissam Abouzgheib

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.104331 · 2026-02-26

## TL;DR

A rare tracheal tumor was safely removed using bronchoscopy with ECMO support, showing the value of a team-based approach.

## Contribution

Demonstrates successful bronchoscopic resection of a high-risk tracheal leiomyoma with ECMO standby.

## Key findings

- Tracheal leiomyoma was successfully resected bronchoscopically with ECMO on standby.
- Multidisciplinary approach minimized risk of airway obstruction during the procedure.
- ECMO use in high-risk airway procedures is feasible with careful planning.

## Abstract

Tracheal leiomyomas are extremely rare benign tumors that are most commonly treated by bronchoscopic or surgical resection. Procedure-related complication rates are low, with surgical tracheal resection carrying the highest risk. Nonetheless, related airway obstruction is a potentially devastating complication. As proficiency develops, more centers are utilizing extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (ECMO) not just for critically ill patients but also for high-risk airway therapeutic procedures. However, ECMO carries its own potential complications, and the decision to cannulate requires multidisciplinary discussions. We present a case of a high-risk tracheal leiomyoma that was successfully resected bronchoscopically with ECMO on standby.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** tracheal leiomyoma (MONDO:0002318)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Tracheal Leiomyoma (MESH:D007889), benign tumors (MESH:D009369), airway obstruction (MESH:D000402)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Figures

6 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13032921/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13032921