Safely repositioning dual-lumen ECMO cannulas with a transfemoral lasso snare

Abstract

Introduction: Dual-lumen cannulas were designed to provide venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) with single-vessel access. Anatomic and size considerations may make appropriate placement challenging in children. Dual-lumen cannulas are repositioned in 20–69% of pediatric patients, which can be difficult without transient discontinuation of ECMO support. Methods: We repositioned three dual-lumen ECMO cannulas introduced via the right internal jugular vein using a transfemoral snare technique under real-time ultrasound and fluoroscopy. Results: Two of three patients were supported on VV ECMO and one on veno-veno-arterial (VV-A) ECMO. Two of the three patients had their dual-lumen cannula repositioned under ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance and one was repositioned just with ultrasound. No patient experienced a complication from the transfemoral snare technique such as femoral hematoma, hemorrhage or limb ischemia. Conclusion: We describe three patients who successfully had dual-lumen cannulas repositioned without cessation of ECMO using a transfemoral “lasso” technique.