Clinical management of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit

Acute coronary syndrome associated cardiogenic shock in the catheterization laboratory: peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator management and recommendations

Cardiogenic shock (CS) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a critical disease with high mortality rates requiring complex treatment to maximize patient survival chances. Emergent coronary revascularization along with circulatory support are keys to saving lives. Mechanical circulatory support may be instigated in severe, yet still reversible instances. Of these, the peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (pVA-ECMO) is the most widely used system for both circulatory and respiratory support. The aim of our work is to provide a review of our current understanding of the pVA-ECMO when used in the catheterization laboratory in a CS ACS setting. We detail the workings of a Shock Team: pVA-ECMO specifics, circumstances, and timing of implantations and discuss possible complications. We place emphasis on how to select the appropriate patients for potential pVA-ECMO support and what characteristics and parameters need to be assessed. A detailed, stepwise implantation algorithm indicating crucial steps is also featured for practitioners in the catheter laboratory. To provide an overall aspect of pVA-ECMO use in CS ACS we further gave pointers including relevant human resource, infrastructure, and consumables management to build an effective Shock Team to treat CS ACS via the pVA-ECMO method.

Nosocomial Infections During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Pediatric Patients: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly used in critically ill patients with respiratory and/or cardiac failure. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and risk factors of nosocomial infection (NI) in pediatric patients who underwent ECMO for respiratory and/or circulatory failure.

METHODS

Medical records for patients that were administered underwent ECMO support at Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, and Children's Hospital Affiliation of Zhengzhou University, from September 2012 to December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data of the patients who developed NI were collected and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify the independent predictive factors of NI during ECMO.

RESULTS

A total of 54 first episodes of NI were identified in the 190 patients on ECMO, including 32 cases of respiratory tract infections, 20 cases of bloodstream infections, and 2 cases of surgical site wound infections. Gram-negative pathogens were the dominant pathogens isolated, accounting for 92.6% of the NI. The incidence of ECMO-related NI was 47.6 cases per 1,000 ECMO days. In the univariate logistic regression, ECMO mode, ECMO duration, ICU duration, and peritoneal dialysis were associated with the development of NI in patients with ECMO support. However, in the multivariate analysis, only ECMO duration (OR = 2.46, 95%CI: 1.10, 5.51; P = 0.029), ICU duration (OR = 1.35, 95%CI: 1.05, 1.59; P = 0.017) and peritoneal dialysis (OR = 2.69, 95%CI: 1.08, 5.73; P = 0.031) were the independent predictive factors for NI during ECMO support.

CONCLUSION

This study identified the significant correlation between ECMO-related NI and ECMO duration, ICU duration, and peritoneal dialysis. Appropriate preventive measures are needed for hospitals to reduce the incidence of ECMO in pediatric patients.

Flow Monitoring of ECMO Circuit for Detecting Oxygenator Obstructions

Oxygenator thrombosis during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), is a complication that necessitates component replacement. ECMO centers monitor clot burden by intermittent measurement of pressure drop across the oxygenator. An increase in pressure drop at a preset flow rate suggests an increase in resistance/clot formation within the oxygenator. This monitoring method comes with inherent disadvantages such as monitoring gaps, and increased risk of air embolism and infection. We explored utilizing flow measurement, which avoids such risks, as an indicator of ECMO circuit obstructions. The hypothesis that flow rate through a shunt tube in the circuit will increase as distal resistances in the circuit increases was tested. We experimentally simulated controlled levels of oxygenator obstructions using glass microspheres in an ex vivo veno-venous ECMO circuit and measured the change in shunt flow rate using over the tube ultra-sound flow probes. A mathematical model was also used to study the effect of distal resistances in the ECMO circuit on shunt flow. Results of both the mathematical model and the experiments showed a clear and measurable increase in shunt flow with increasing levels of oxygenator obstruction. Therefore, flow monitoring appears to be an effective non-contact and continuous method to monitor for obstruction during ECMO.

The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in children with acute fulminant myocarditis

Acute fulminant myocarditis (AFM) occurs as an inflammatory response to an initial myocardial insult. Its rapid and deadly progression calls for prompt diagnosis with aggressive treatment measures. The demonstration of its excellent recovery potential has led to increasing use of mechanical circulatory support, especially extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Arrhythmias, organ failure, elevated cardiac biomarkers, and decreased ventricular function at presentation predict requirement for ECMO. In these patients, ECMO should be considered earlier as the clinical course of AFM can be unpredictable and can lead to rapid haemodynamic collapse. Key uncertainties that clinicians face when managing children with AFM such as timing of initiation of ECMO and left ventricular decompression need further investigation.

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: Special reference for use in 'post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock' - A review with an Indian perspective

The ultimate goals of cardiovascular physiology are to ensure adequate end-organ perfusion to satisfy the local metabolic demand, to maintain homeostasis and achieve 'milieu intérieur'. Cardiogenic shock is a state of pump failure which results in tissue hypoperfusion and its associated complications. There are a wide variety of causes which lead to this deranged physiology, and one such important and common scenario is the post-cardiotomy state which is encountered in cardiac surgical units. Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is an important modality of managing post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock with variable outcomes which would otherwise be universally fatal. VA-ECMO is considered as a double-edged sword with the advantages of luxurious perfusion while providing an avenue for the failing heart to recover, but with the problems of anticoagulation, inflammatory and adverse systemic effects. Optimal outcomes after VA-ECMO are heavily reliant on a multitude of factors and require a multi-disciplinary team to handle them. This article aims to provide an insight into the pathophysiology of VA-ECMO, cannulation techniques, commonly encountered problems, monitoring, weaning strategies and ethical considerations along with a literature review of current evidence-based practices.

In vitro testing of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives and sutures for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannula securement

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), an invasive mechanical therapy, provides cardio-respiratory support to critically ill patients when maximal conventional support has failed. ECMO is delivered via large-bore cannulae which must be effectively secured to avoid complications including cannula migration, dislodgement and accidental decannulation. Growing evidence suggests tissue adhesive (TA) may be a practical and safe method to secure vascular access devices, but little evidence exists pertaining to securement of ECMO cannulae. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of two TA formulations (2-octyl cyanoacrylate and n-butyl-2-octyl cyanoacrylate) for use in peripherally inserted ECMO cannula securement, and compare TA securement to 'standard' securement methods.

METHODS

This in vitro project assessed: (1) the tensile strength and flexibility of TA formulations compared to 'standard' ECMO cannula securement using a porcine skin model, and (2) the chemical resistance of the polyurethane ECMO cannulae to TA. An Instron 5567 Universal Testing System was used for strength testing in both experiments.

RESULTS

Securement with sutures and n-butyl-2-octyl cyanoacrylate both significantly increased the force required to dislodge the cannula compared to a transparent polyurethane dressing (p = 0.006 and p = 0.003, respectively) and 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (p = 0.023 and p = 0.013, respectively). Suture securement provided increased flexibility compared to TA securement (p < 0.0001), and there was no statistically significant difference in flexibility between 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and n-butyl-2-octyl cyanoacrylate (p = 0.774). The resistance strength of cannula polyurethane was not weakened after exposure to either TA formulation after 60 min compared to control.

CONCLUSIONS

Tissue adhesive appears to be a promising adjunct method of ECMO cannula insertion site securement. Tissue adhesive securement with n-butyl-2-octyl cyanoacrylate may provide comparable securement strength to a single polypropylene drain stitch, and, when used as an adjunct securement method, may minimise the risks associated with suture securement. However, further clinical research is still needed in this area.

Hematologic concerns in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

This ISTH "State of the Art" review aims to critically evaluate the hematologic considerations and complications in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). ECMO is experiencing a rapid increase in clinical use, but many questions remain unanswered. The existing literature does not address or explicitly state many pertinent details that may influence hematologic complications and, ultimately, patient outcomes. This review aims to broadly introduce modern ECMO practices, circuit designs, circuit materials, hematologic complications, transfusion-related considerations, age- and size-related differences, and considerations for choosing outcome measures. Relevant studies from the 2019 ISTH Congress in Melbourne, which further advanced our understanding of these processes, will also be highlighted.

Nosocomial Infections During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Neonatal, Pediatric, and Adult Patients: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

OBJECTIVES

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is increasingly used in critically ill patients with refractory cardiopulmonary failure. Nosocomial infection acquired during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation represents one of the most frequent complications but the available evidence on the risk of infection and its association with outcomes has not been comprehensively analyzed. We performed a narrative review examining the epidemiology of nosocomial infection during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, association with clinical outcomes, and preventive strategies.

DATA SOURCES

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library between 1972 and June 2018.

STUDY SELECTION

We included any article which detailed nosocomial infection during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Articles were excluded if they were not written in English, detailed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use for infections acquired prior to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or used other forms of extracorporeal support such as ventricular assist devices.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility and extracted data. We screened 984 abstracts and included 59 articles in the final review.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The reported risk of nosocomial infection among patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation ranged from 3.5% to 64% per extracorporeal membrane oxygenation run, while the incidence of infection ranged from 10.1 to 116.2/1,000 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation days. Nosocomial infections during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were consistently associated with longer duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and, in several large multicenter studies, with increased mortality. Risk factors for nosocomial infection included duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, mechanical and hemorrhagic complications on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and use of venoarterial and central extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Biomarkers had low specificity for infection in this population. Few studies examined strategies on how to prevent nosocomial infection on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

CONCLUSIONS

Nosocomial infections in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients are common and associated with worse outcomes. There is substantial variation in the rates of reported infection, and thus, it is possible that some may be preventable. The evidence for current diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic strategies for infection during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is limited and requires further investigation.

Cannula and circuit management in peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: An international survey of 45 countries

Effective and safe practices during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) including infection precautions and securement of lines (cannulas and circuits) are critical to prevent life-threatening patient complications, yet little is known about the practices of bedside clinicians and data to support best practice is lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify and describe common line-related practices for patients supported by peripheral ECMO worldwide and to highlight any gaps for further investigation. An electronic survey was conducted to examine common line practices for patients managed on peripheral ECMO. Responses were obtained from 45 countries with the majority from the United States (n = 181) and United Kingdom (n = 32). Standardised infection precautions including hand hygiene, maximal barrier precautions and skin antisepsis were commonplace for cannulation. The most common antisepsis strategies included alcohol-based chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) for cannula insertion (53%) and maintenance (54%), isopropyl alcohol on circuit access ports (39%), and CHG-impregnated dressings to cover insertion sites (36%). Adverse patient events due to line malposition or dislodgement were reported by 34% of respondents with most attributable to ineffective securement. Centres 'always' suturing peripheral cannula sites were more likely to experience a cannula adverse event than centres that 'never' sutured (35% [95% CI 30, 41] vs 0% [95% CI 0, 28]; Chi-square 4.40; p = 0.04) but this did not meet the a priori significance level of <0.01. An evidence-based guideline would be beneficial to improve ECMO line management according to 78% of respondents. Evidence gaps were identified for antiseptic agents, dressing products and regimens, securement methods, and needleless valves. Future research addressing these areas may provide opportunities for consensus guideline development and practice improvement.

Antibody-modified conduits for highly selective cytokine elimination from blood

Cytokines play an important role in dysregulated immune responses to infection, pancreatitis, ischemia/reperfusion injury, burns, hemorrhage, cardiopulmonary bypass, trauma, and many other diseases. Moreover, the imbalance between inflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines can have deleterious effects. Here, we demonstrated highly selective blood-filtering devices - antibody-modified conduits (AMCs) - that selectively eliminate multiple specific deleterious cytokines in vitro. AMCs functionalized with antibodies against human vascular endothelial growth factor A or tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) selectively eliminated the target cytokines from human blood in vitro and maintained them in reduced states even in the face of ongoing infusion at supraphysiologic rates. We characterized the variables that determine AMC performance, using anti-human TNF-α AMCs to eliminate recombinant human TNF-α. Finally, we demonstrated selective cytokine elimination in vivo by filtering interleukin 1 β from rats with lipopolysaccharide-induced hypercytokinemia.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation line-associated complications: in vitro testing of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive and securement devices to prevent infection and dislodgement

Background

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) delivers cardiac and/or respiratory support to critically ill patients who have failed conventional medical therapies. If the large-bore cannulas used to deliver ECMO become infected or dislodged, the patient consequences can be catastrophic. ECMO cannula-related infection has been reported to be double the rate of other vascular devices (7.1 vs 3.4 episodes/1000 ECMO days respectively). The aim of this study was to assess the ability of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (TA) to inhibit bacterial growth at the ECMO cannulation site, and the effectiveness of TA and securement devices in securing ECMO cannulas and tubing.

Methods

This in vitro study tested the (1) antimicrobial qualities of TA against standard transparent dressing with ECMO cannula; (2) chemical compatibility between cannula, TA and removal agent; (3) pull-out strength of transparent dressing and TA at the cannula insertion site; and (4) pull-out strength of adhesive bandage and commercial sutureless securement devices (SSDs) on circuit tubing. Fisher’s exact test was used to evaluate differences in bacterial growth observed between the transparent dressing and TA groups. Data from mechanical testing were analysed using one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test or t test as appropriate. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05.

Results

No bacterial growth occurred under TA-covered cannulas compared with transparent dressing-covered cannulas (p = 0.002). Compared to plates lacking TA or transparent dressing, growth was observed at the insertion point and under the dressing in the transparent dressing group; however, no growth was observed in the TA group (p = 0.019). TA did not weaken the cannulas; however, the TA removal agent did after 60 min of exposure, compared with control (p < 0.01). Compared with transparent dressing, TA increased the pull-out force required for cannula dislodgement from the insertion point (p < 0.0001). SSDs significantly increased the force required to remove the tubing from the fixation points compared with adhesive bandage (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the combined use of TA at the cannula insertion site with a commercial device for tubing securement could provide an effective bedside strategy to prevent or minimise infection and line dislodgement.

Vancomycin Dosing in Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Potential Impacts of New Technologies

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the doses of vancomycin used to obtain therapeutic drug concentrations in pediatric patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), using new ECMO technologies.

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective study of patients treated with vancomycin while receiving ECMO using low-volume circuit technology.

RESULTS

A total of 28 patients were included in the analysis of the primary endpoint. Patients had a median age of 6 weeks (0-11 years) and a median weight of 3.45 kg (2.44-37.2 kg). Ultrafiltration was used in 89.3% of patients at initiation of ECMO regardless of baseline renal function, resulting in a median urine output of 2 mL/kg/hr at the time of the final vancomycin dose. Most patients started vancomycin at the same time as ECMO. The median total daily dose was 30 mg/kg/day. The median total daily dose in a subset of patients less than one year of age was 20 mg/kg/day. Nearly all patients had at least 1 therapeutic trough serum vancomycin concentration. A total of 16 patients completed their vancomycin course using an interval of every 12 hours or shorter. Half-life was calculated in a subset of 11 patients and the mean was found to be 12.3 ± 2.8 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

An initial dosing interval of every 12 hours to provide a total daily dose of 30 mg/kg/day is a possible option in pediatric patients on ECMO provided that renal function is normal at baseline. Monitoring of serum vancomycin concentrations for adjustment of dosing is required throughout therapy and is still warranted.

Inferior vena cava thrombosis as a cause of haemolysis in a patient on ECMO

Haemolysis, thrombosis and haemorrhage are well-documented complications of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. This case report outlines an unusual case of haemolysis, thought secondary to a large mobile thrombus in the inferior vena cava.

Concepts from paediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for adult intensivists

Over the last 5 years, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in adult patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure. This contrasts to the use of the technology in neonatal and paediatric intensive care units, where it has been regarded as a standard of care for a number of conditions for over 25 years. Many innovations in ECMO circuitry or clinical management evolve first in one particular discipline and it may be helpful for individual clinicians to keep abreast of developments in ECMO across the entire age range, from neonatology to older adults. This review addresses nine concepts in ECMO that are better studied or established in paediatric medicine and considers their application in adult patients.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a breakthrough for respiratory failure

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a method for providing long-term treatment of a patient in a modified heart-lung machine. Desaturated blood is drained from the patient, oxygenated and pumped back to a major vein or artery. ECMO supports heart and lung function and may be used in severe heart and/or lung failure when conventional intensive care fails. The Stockholm programme started in 1987 with treatment of neonates. In 1995, the first adult patient was accepted onto the programme. Interhospital transportation during ECMO was started in 1996, which enabled retrieval of extremely unstable patients during ECMO. Today, the programme has an annual volume of about 80 patients. It has been characterized by, amongst other things, minimal patient sedation. By 31 December 2014, over 900 patients had been treated, the vast majority for respiratory failure, and over 650 patients had been transported during ECMO. The median ECMO duration was 5.3, 5.7 and 7.1 days for neonatal, paediatric and adult patients, respectively. The survival to hospital discharge rate for respiratory ECMO was 81%, 70% and 63% in the different age groups, respectively, which is significantly higher than the overall international experience as reported to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Registry (74%, 57% and 57%, respectively). The survival rate was significantly higher in the Stockholm programme compared to ELSO for meconium aspiration syndrome, congenital diaphragmatic hernia in neonates and pneumocystis pneumonia in paediatric patients.

Postoperative management of heart failure in pediatric patients

Low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) is a well-described entity occurring in 25-65% of pediatric patients undergoing open-heart surgery. With judicious intensive care management of LCOS, most patients have an uncomplicated postoperative course, and within 24 h after cardiopulmonary bypass, the cardiac function returns back to baseline. Some patients have severe forms of LCOS not responsive to medical management alone, requiring temporary mechanical circulatory support to prevent end-organ injury and to decrease myocardial stress and oxygen demand. Occasionally, cardiac function does not recover and heart transplantation is necessary. Long-term mechanical circulatory support devices are used as a bridge to transplantation because of limited availability of donor hearts. Experience in usage of continuous flow ventricular assist devices in the pediatric population is increasing.

An arterio-venous bridge for gradual weaning from adult veno-arterial extracorporeal life support

Purpose: Weaning from extracorporeal life support (ELS) is particularly challenging when cardiac recovery is slow, largely incomplete and hard to predict. Therefore, we describe an individualized gradual weaning strategy using an arterio-venous (AV) bridge incorporated into the circuit to facilitate weaning. Methods: Thirty adult patients weaned from veno-arterial ELS using an AV bridge were retrospectively analyzed. Serial echocardiography and hemodynamic monitoring were used to assess cardiac recovery and load responsiveness. Upon early signs of myocardial recovery, an AV bridge with an Hoffman clamp was added to the circuit and weaning was initiated. Support flow was reduced stepwise by 10-15% every 2 to 8 hours while the circuit flow was maintained at 3.5-4.5 L/min. Results: The AV bridge facilitated gradual weaning in all 30 patients (median age: 66 [53-71] years; 21 males) over a median period of 25 [8-32] hours, with a median support duration of 96 [31-181] hours. During weaning, the median left ventricular ejection fraction was 25% [15-32] and the median velocity time integral of the aortic valve was 16 cm [10-23]. Through the weaning period, the mean arterial blood pressure was maintained at 70 mmHg and the activated partial thromboplastin time was 60±10 seconds without additional systemic heparinization. Neither macroscopic thrombus formation in the ELS circuit during and after weaning nor clinically relevant thromboembolism was observed. Conclusion: Incorporation of an AV bridge for weaning from veno-arterial ELS is safe and feasible to gradually wean patients with functional cardiac recovery without compromising the circuit integrity.

Hemofiltration is not associated with increased mortality in children receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether the use of continuous renal replacement therapy is independently associated with increased in-hospital mortality in children on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

DESIGN

Retrospective, 1:1 propensity-matched cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary PICU.

PATIENTS

Eighty-six children on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, 43 of whom also received hemofiltration.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Demographics, pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation hemodynamic data, fluid status, and biochemistry tests were collected, as well as duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, blood product use, complications, and mortality. Forty-three children receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and continuous renal replacement therapy were matched to a cohort of 43 children on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation not receiving continuous renal replacement therapy. The main indication for hemofiltration was fluid overload in 29 patients (67.4%), renal failure in nine patients (20.9%), and electrolyte abnormalities in five patients (11.6%). The median duration of hemofiltration was 108 hours (47-209 hr). Patients receiving hemofiltration had a longer duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (127 hr [94-302 hr] vs 121 hr [67-182 hr]; p = 0.05) and received more platelet transfusions (0.91 mL/kg/hr [0.43-1.58 mL/kg/hr] vs 0.63 mL/kg/hr [0.30-0.79 mL/kg/hr]; p = 0.01). There were otherwise no differences in mechanical or patient-related complications between both groups. There was no difference in the proportion of patients who were successfully decannulated (81.4% vs 74.4%; p = 0.44), survived to ICU discharge (65.1% vs 55.8%; p = 0.38), or survived to hospital discharge (62.8% vs 48.8%; p = 0.19) in the controls versus the hemofiltration group.

CONCLUSIONS

In-hospital mortality was similar between children on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with and without hemofiltration although hemofiltration appeared to be associated with a slight increase in the duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and more liberal platelet transfusions.

Direct Complications of the Avalon Bicaval Dual-Lumen Cannula in Respiratory Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO): Single-Center Experience

Purpose

Cannulation for veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VVECMO) may involve a single site when using a dual-lumen cannula. Benefits include a decrease in blood recirculation, easier patient mobilization, and lower risk of dislodgment. We aimed to review all complications related to the cannula.

Methods

The study included all adult patients admitted to a single intensive care unit (ICU), between November 2009 and September 2013, requiring VVECMO in whom an Avalon Cannula was inserted. The list of patients, complications, and patient data were retrieved from the local ECMO database and the intensive care Clinical Information System (CIS).

Results

Seventy two patients were cannulated with an Avalon cannula between November 1, 2009 and September 31, 2013. Forty-four patients had no cannula-related complications. A total of 35 complications were recorded in 28 patients, 6 of whom required further intervention.

Conclusions

Successful cannulation was possible in all patients with the majority of complications graded as minor.