Alternative Position of Cannulae in Veno-venous Extracorporeal Membrane
Oxygenation
Abstract
Optimal positioning of drainage and return cannulae is critically
important for minimizing the recirculation in patients with respiratory
failure requiring veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV
ECMO). If a drainage cannula is positioned at a low level of right
atrium through the femoral vein, flow disturbance due to drainage
chattering can occur when the intravascular volume is insufficient, or
intrathoracic or intraabdominal pressure is increased. We report a case
in which drainage chattering was eliminated and recirculation were
decreased by repositioning the drainage and return cannula in a patient
with VV ECMO flow disturbance when intrathoracic pressure was increased.