The novel ProtekDuo ventricular assist device: Configurations, technical aspects, and present evidence

Central Venopulmonary Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Background and Standardized Nomenclature

This review highlights advancements in extracorporeal life support (ECLS), emphasizing the critical role of standardized terminology, particularly for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in treating right ventricular and respiratory failure. Advocating for the adoption of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Maastricht Treaty for ECLS Nomenclature guidelines, it aims to resolve communication barriers in the ECMO field. Focusing on venopulmonary (VP) ECMO utilizing central pulmonary artery (PA) access, this review details surgical approaches and introduces a terminology guide to support effective knowledge exchange and advancements in patient care.

Outcome of Veno-Pulmonary Extracorporeal Life Support in Lung Transplantation Using ProtekDuo Cannula: A Systematic Review and Description of Configurations

Background: Refractory end-stage pulmonary failure may benefit from extracorporeal life support (ECLS) as a bridge to lung transplantation. Veno-venous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been recommended for patients who have failed conventional medical therapy and mechanical ventilation. Veno-arterial (VA) ECMO may be used in patients with acute right ventricular (RV) failure, haemodynamic instability, or refractory respiratory failure. Peripheral percutaneous approaches, either dual-site single-lumen cannulation for veno-pulmonary (VP) ECMO or single-site dual-lumen (dl)VP ECMO, using the ProtekDuo right ventricular assist device (RVAD) cannula, has made this configuration a desirable option as a bridge to transplantation. These configurations support the right ventricle, prevent recirculation by placing the tricuspid and pulmonary valve between the drainage and return cannulas, provide the direct introduction of oxygenated blood into the pulmonary artery, and have been shown to decrease the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in certain disease states. This promotes haemodynamic stability, potential sedation-weaning trials, extubation, mobilisation, and pre-transplant rehabilitation. Methods: A web-based literature search in PubMed and EMBASE was undertaken based on a combination of keywords. The PICOS and PRISMA approaches were used. Results: Four case series were identified out of 323 articles, with a total of 34 patients placed on VP ECMO as a bridge to lung transplantation. All relevant data are reviewed and integrated into the Discussion. Conclusions: Despite the limited available evidence, the use of ProtekDuo has become very promising for the management of end-stage lung disease as a bridge to lung transplantation.

The ProtekDuo Cannula: A Comprehensive Review of Efficacy and Clinical Applications in Right Ventricular Failure

Right ventricular failure (RVF) is a clinical challenge associated with various underlying acute and chronic medical conditions, necessitating diverse management strategies including mechanical circulatory support (MCS). The ProtekDuo cannula represents an important advancement in medical devices for MCS in the setting of RVF. When combined with an extracorporeal blood pump, the dual-lumen design allows for direct bypass of the RV using simultaneous drainage and return of blood using percutaneous, single-site access. Studies have reported favorable outcomes with the ProtekDuo cannula and low device-related complications, but comparative studies with other MCS devices are limited. Still, the ProtekDuo cannula has numerous advantages; however, it is not without challenges, and opportunities for further research exist. The ProtekDuo cannula holds significant potential for future advancements in the field of MCS, offering promising solutions for RVF management.

Concurrent veno-pulmonary extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation with ProtekDuo parallel to an in situ veno-pulmonary single-lumen cannula

This technical report describes the successful transition from dual lumen, single site veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation ((dl)V-V ECMO) to single lumen, dual site veno-pulmonary (V-P) ECMO, and subsequently to dual lumen, single site (dl)V-P ECMO involving temporary placement of two cannulas in the main pulmonary artery. No complications were observed during these transitions. This technique could address concerns related to cannula exchanges in VP ECMO. However, caution is warranted and constant monitoring of cannula position using real-time imaging is required when using this technique due to the risk profile.

Venopulmonary Artery Extracorporeal Life Support (VPa ECMO): A Novel Strategy for Refractory Hypoxemia Complicating VV ECMO

Refractory hypoxemia (RH) during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) support is a complex problem that limits the benefit of this therapy. The need for sustained deep sedation and delays in active rehabilitation are considered as a direct consequence of RH. Changing from VV ECMO to a configuration that returns the flow to pulmonary artery, such as venopulmonary extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VPa ECMO) may decrease recirculation and improve systemic oxygen delivery. We present a retrospective report that describes the impact of VPa ECMO on oxygenation during sedation withdrawal in 41 patients who received VV ECMO for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We evidenced that arterial oxygen pressure (PaO 2 ) increased from 68 to 112.3 mm Hg ( p = 0.001) with a reduction of ECMO flow (5.7-4.8 L/m; p = 0.001). Other findings included lower rates of depth sedation (Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale [RASS] ≤3, 37-63%; p = 0.007) and lower requirement inotropic support assessed by LVIS score (4.7-1.1; p = 0.005). Discharge survival was 54% with a sustained benefit until day 79. This cannulation strategy improved effectively PaO 2 in this cohort, it may be an alternative in patients with RH in VV ECMO.

Refractory cor pulmonale under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for acute respiratory distress syndrome: the role of conversion to veno-pulmonary arterial assist-a case series

Introduction

Pulmonary vascular dysfunction during severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may lead to right ventricle (RV) dysfunction and acute cor pulmonale (ACP). The occurrence/persistence of ACP despite conventional extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a challenging situation. We explored the usefulness of a specific dual-lumen cannula that bypasses the RV, and on which a veno-pulmonary arterial assist (V-P ECMO) was mounted, in ARDS patients.

Methods

We report a case-series of ARDS patients put on conventional veno-arterial or veno-venous ECMO and presented refractory ACP as an indication for a reconfiguration to V-P ECMO using the ProtekDuo cannula. The primary endpoint was the mitigation of RV and pulmonary vascular dysfunction as assessed by the change in end-diastolic RV/left ventricle (LV) surface ratio.

Results

Six patients had their conventional ECMO reconfigured to V-P ECMO to treat refractory ACP. There was a decrease in end-diastolic RV/LV surface ratio, as well as end-systolic LV eccentricity index, and lactatemia immediately after V-P ECMO initiation. The resolution of refractory ACP was immediately achieved in four of our six (66%) patients. The V-P ECMO was weaned after a median of 26 [8-93] days after implantation. All but one patient were discharged home. We detected one case of severe hemolysis with V-P ECMO and two suspected cases of right-sided infective endocarditis.

Conclusion

V-P ECMO is useful to mitigate RV overload and to improve hemodynamics in case of refractory ACP despite conventional ECMO.

The intricate physiology of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: an overview for clinicians

During veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO), blood is drained from the central venous circulation to be oxygenated and decarbonated by an artificial lung. It is then reinfused into the right heart and pulmonary circulation where further gas-exchange occurs. Each of these steps is characterized by a peculiar physiology that this manuscript analyses, with the aim of providing bedside tools for clinical care: we begin by describing the factors that affect the efficiency of blood drainage, such as patient and cannulae position, fluid status, cardiac output and ventilatory strategies. We then dig into the complexity of extracorporeal gas-exchange, with particular reference to the effects of extracorporeal blood-flow (ECBF), fraction of delivered oxygen (FdO2) and sweep gas-flow (SGF) on oxygenation and decarbonation. Subsequently, we focus on the reinfusion of arterialized blood into the right heart, highlighting the effects on recirculation and, more importantly, on right ventricular function. The importance and challenges of haemodynamic monitoring during V-V ECMO are also analysed. Finally, we detail the interdependence between extracorporeal circulation, native lung function and mechanical ventilation in providing adequate arterial blood gases while allowing lung rest. In the absence of evidence-based strategies to care for this particular group of patients, clinical practice is underpinned by a sound knowledge of the intricate physiology of V-V ECMO.

Standardized nomenclature for peripheral percutaneous cannulation of the pulmonary artery in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: Current uptake and recommendations for improvement

The rising application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has emphasized the need for consistent and standardized terminology, especially concerning peripheral percutaneous cannulation of the pulmonary artery (PPC-PA). The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Nomenclature Task Force produced the ELSO Maastricht Treaty for extracorporeal life support (ECLS) Nomenclature to address this challenge. However, adherence to nomenclature recommendations has been poor in publications describing PPC-PA. We aim to describe common nomenclature errors and provide a user-guide for abbreviations that can be used by authors, reviewers, and journal staff to ensure properadherence to standardized nomenclature in publications describing PPC-PA.

Pulmonary Artery Dual-Lumen Cannulation Versus Two Cannula Percutaneous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Configuration in Right Ventricular Failure

Refractory right ventricular failure has significant morbidity and mortality. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is indicated when medical interventions are deemed ineffective. However, it is still being determined if one configuration is better. We conducted a retrospective analysis of our institutional experience comparing the peripheral veno-pulmonary artery (V-PA) configuration versus the dual-lumen cannula with the tip in the pulmonary artery (C-PA). The analysis of a cohort of 24 patients (12 patients in each group). There was no difference in survival after hospital discharge (58.3% in the C-PA group compared to 41.7% in the V-PA group, p = 0.4). Among the C-PA group, there was a statistically significant shorter ICU length of stay (23.5 days [interquartile range {IQR} = 19-38.5] vs. 43 days [IQR = 30-50], p = 0.043) and duration of mechanical ventilation (7.5 days [IQR = 4.5-9.5] compared to (16.5 days [IQR = 9.5-22.5], p = 0.006) in the V-PA group. In the C-PA group, there were lower incidents of bleeding (33.33% vs. 83.33%, p =0.036) and combined ischemic events (0 vs. 41.67%, p = 0.037). In our single-center experience, the C-PA configuration might have a better outcome than the V-PA one. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Extracorporeal life support in pregnant and postpartum women with COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an intervention used for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) from COVID-19 who have failed conventional ventilatory strategies. Very few studies have given insight into the outcomes of pregnant and postpartum patients requiring ECMO support.

METHODS

Single center, retrospective, observational study of female pregnant and postpartum patients suffering COVID-19 ARDS and requiring ECMO.

RESULTS

Eight SARS-CoV-2 positive patients were identified. The average age was 31 ± 4 years, with Body Mass Indices (BMI) and SOFA scores ranging between 32-49 and 8-11, respectively. Two patients were pregnant at the time of ECMO initiation, two were peripartum, and four were postpartum. Five patients (63%) had bleeding, and one patient had a hysterectomy. Seven patients (88%) were supported by V-V ECMO and one with V-A ECMO. Patients had between one and three circuit exchanges due to oxygenator failure or clots in the circuit. All patients were in ICU between 7 and 74 days, with hospital length of stay between 8 and 81 days. All patients were weaned off ECMO and were successfully discharged from the hospital. All newborns were born via cesarean section, and all survived to discharge.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows a 100% neonatal and maternal survival rate demonstrating that ECMO in this patient population is safe. These patients should be transferred to experienced high-volume ECMO centers with the ability to perform emergent cesarean sections. ECMO should be considered a life-saving therapy for pregnant women with severe COVID-19 with an overall excellent maternal and neonatal survival rate.

Percutaneous oxygenated right ventricular assist device for pulmonary embolism: A case series

Acute right ventricular (RV) failure following massive pulmonary embolism (PE) can have significant hemodynamic consequences and is the mode of death. Temporary mechanical circulatory support can provide tissue perfusion required while thrombectomy or lysis-aimed therapies act to relieve the thrombotic obstruction. Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) has conventionally been the first line MCS. A more selective approach to RV support has been advocated in the form of an extracorporeal right ventricular assist device (RVAD) as it mitigates some of the shortcomings of V-A ECMO. We present the first case series of four patients who received fully percutaneous RVAD, with an integrated oxygenator forming an Oxy-RVAD, for selective right heart support following massive PE, including the application of single-access dual-lumen right atrium to pulmonary artery cannula. All patients achieved RV recovery and were successfully weaned from oxy-RVAD support within 5-10 days demonstrating the feasibility of selective percutaneous right heart support in managing these challenging patients.

The ProtekDuo in ECMO configuration for ARDS secondary to COVID-19: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Assessment of the results of the ProtekDuo cannula applied for dedicated right ventricular support with oxygenator in ARDS secondary to COVID-19.

METHODS

Systematic literature search in NHS library, Medline (Pubmed) and EMBASE using appropriate keywords as well as PICOS and PRISMA approach.

RESULTS

Out of 285 publications found, 5 publications met the search criteria and were included in this review. A total of 194 patients with ARDS secondary to COVID-19 underwent ProtekDuo placement to establish a combination of respiratory [veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO)] and right ventricular support. Patients treated using the ProtekDuo cannula had survival rates between 59% and 89% throughout the five studies, and a significant survival benefit when compared to an invasive ventilation group or compared to dual site V-V ECMO or other double lumen ECMO cannulas. One study focused on extubation and discontinuation of ventilator support, which could be achieved in 100% of ProtekDuo patients. An association for reduced incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and use of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) could be shown when the ProtekDuo was used.

CONCLUSION

Only limited literature is available for the ProtekDuo in V-P ECMO configuration in the setting of COVID-19 ARDS and should be interpreted with caution. Data on the ProtekDuo is suggestive for lower rates of mortality, AKI and CRRT as compared to other respiratory support modalities.

Supporting the "forgotten" ventricle: The evolution of percutaneous RVADs

Right heart failure (RHF) can occur as the result of an acute or chronic disease process and is a challenging clinical condition for surgeons and interventionalists to treat. RHF occurs in approximately 0.1% of patients after cardiac surgery, in 2-3% of patients following heart transplantation, and in up to 42% of patients after LVAD implantation. Regardless of the cause, RHF portends high morbidity and mortality and is associated with longer hospital stays and higher healthcare costs. The mainstays of traditional therapy for severe RHF have included pharmacological support, such as inotropes and vasopressors, and surgical right ventricular (RV) assist devices. However, in recent years catheter-based mechanical circulatory support (MCS) strategies have offered novel solutions for addressing RHF without the morbidity of open surgery. This manuscript will review the pathophysiology of RHF, including the molecular underpinnings, gross structural mechanisms, and hemodynamic consequences. The evolution of techniques for supporting the right ventricle will be explored, with a focus on various institutional experiences with percutaneous ventricular assist devices.

The ProtekDuo for percutaneous V-P and V-VP ECMO in patients with COVID-19 ARDS

OBJECTIVE

The ProtekDuo with oxygenator mimics veno-venous (V-V) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in veno-pulmonary (V-P) configuration. We have recently developed a new configuration by utilizing a 25 Fr multistage femoral venous drainage cannula and by returning oxygenated blood through both lumina of the double lumen ProtekDuo cannula (V-VP configuration), thereby creating partial right ventricular bypass and oxygenated blood flow of up to seven LPM. We investigated our experience with V-P and V-VP ECMO in patients suffering from COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

METHODS

Single center, retrospective observational study.

RESULTS

Of nine patients, one was initiated on V-A, two on V-P, and six on V-V ECMO. All patients were reconfigured to V-P and five patients in addition had V-VP ECMO configuration. All patients had at least one and up to three circuit exchanges. Patients were on ECMO support between 20 and 122 (55 ± 29) days, were in ICU between 46 and 161 (78 ± 40) days with a total hospital length of stay between 35 and 171 (82 ± 42) days. Six of nine (67%) patients could successfully be weaned off ECMO, survived, and were discharged.

CONCLUSION

The ProtekDuo cannula in V-P configuration provides ECMO blood flow while reducing RV flow, wall-stress and dilatation, as well as oxygen consumption. The V-VP configuration is useful to provide high blood flows of up to seven LPM of oxygenated blood, and partial RV support without over-circulating the pulmonary vascular bed. Our results show that V-P and V-VP ECMO configurations are feasible, have good outcome and are without complications.