Vascular Reconstruction After Cannulation for Support With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Literature Review of Data in the Pediatric Population

Best Practices for Vessel Management in Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Cannulation, Decannulation, and Follow-up: A Narrative Review

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to support neonates and children with cardiopulmonary failure was first described in the 1970s, since which time its use has expanded to an increasingly complex and heterogenous pediatric population. Despite preserved survival outcomes, complications of ECMO use, including iatrogenic vascular injury, are common. Here, we provide a brief overview of the epidemiology of pediatric ECMO and associated vascular complications; describe common peripheral cannulation equipment and techniques, trends in cannulation and decannulation strategies, and respective incidence of vascular complications; and review existing evidence for best practices in cannula site selection, cannulation technique, decannulation strategies, and management of vascular complications, with the goal of providing a comprehensive review for interventionalists involved in the care of pediatric ECMO patients. Areas of wide practice variation in vessel management-application of vessel-sparing cervical venoarterial cannulation, the use of distal perfusion catheters in femoral arterial cannulation, and best practices for percutaneous single-lumen venovenous cannulation, as examples-areas of focus for future research, and the potential role of vascular surgeons and other subspecialty proceduralists in the care of pediatric ECMO patients are highlighted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Pediatric venoarterial and venovenous ECMO

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an invaluable resource in the treatment of critically ill children with cardiopulmonary failure.  To date, over 36,000 children have been placed on ECMO and the utilization of this life saving treatment continues to expand with advances in ECMO technology.  This article offers a review of pediatric ECMO including modes and sites of ECMO cannulation, indications and contraindications, and cannulation techniques.  Furthermore, it summarizes the basic principles of pediatric ECMO including circuit maintenance, nutritional support, and clinical decision making regarding weaning pediatric ECMO and decannulation.  Finally, it gives an overview of common pediatric ECMO complications including overall mortality and long-term outcomes of ECMO survivors. The goal of this article is to provide a comprehensive review for healthcare professionals providing care for pediatric ECMO patients.