Hekmatjah N, Escallier K, Singh S. PICC entrapment and air embolism on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A case report.
J Vasc Access 2021;
24:511-514. [PMID:
34414820 DOI:
10.1177/11297298211039651]
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Abstract
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an incredible, life-sustaining intervention for patients suffering from a variety of cardiopulmonary insults. However, its use comes with a unique set of risks and potentially devastating complications, including air entrainment and embolism. We present a case of recurrent air entrainment in a patient on veno-venous ECMO after her peripherally inserted central catheter became entrapped within the lumen of her bi-caval, dual lumen ECMO cannula. We briefly discuss considerations for air embolism on ECMO and recommend general strategies to avoid this potentially catastrophic complication.
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