A Solution for Distal Femoral Occlusion After Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Decannulation: Distal Femoral Access and Thrombectomy

Abstract

For patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support where ready-to-wean criteria are met, complications during the decannulation are quite common. Management of these complications can be challenging as many of the remaining standard arterial access sites are in use or had prior closure by a closure device. In this case report of a 70-year-old patient, explantation of the arterial cannula with the help of a vascular closure device led to thrombotic occlusion of the distal femoral artery. Here, we describe a step-by-step guide outlining our approach on management of this complication. Most relevantly, a distal femoral access via the superficial femoral artery was used, and thrombus aspiration was done with the help of the AngioJet peripheral thrombectomy system.