Vascular access for pediatric coronary angiography on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Abstract

Vascular access for catheterization of a pediatric patient on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was facilitated by adding an accessory limb to the ECMO circuit. This limb was terminated with a hemostatic valve allowing insertion of a catheter. Changes in support parameters compensated for the change in the effective diameter of the ECMO cannula on insertion of the catheter. This method can overcome difficulties in obtaining vascular access for patients on ECMO.