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ECMO Cannulation and Vascular Access

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cannulation establishes vascular access for temporary mechanical circulatory and/or respiratory support. Two configurations exist: (1) Veno-arterial (VA) - femoral vein...

Updated 3 Feb 2026
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Urgent signals

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  • Lower limb ischemia from femoral arterial cannulation (10-30% incidence)
  • Cannula malposition causing inadequate flows or recirculation (VV-ECMO)
  • Vascular injury or dissection during percutaneous cannulation
  • Hemorrhage from cannulation site requiring surgical exploration

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  • ANZCA Final Examination
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ECMO Cannulation and Vascular Access

Quick Answer

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cannulation establishes vascular access for temporary mechanical circulatory and/or respiratory support. Two configurations exist: (1) Veno-arterial (VA) - femoral vein (drainage) to femoral or axillary artery (return), provides cardiopulmonary support with flows 3.0-5.0 L/min; (2) Veno-venous (VV) - femoral or internal jugular vein (drainage) to internal jugular or contralateral femoral vein (return), provides isolated respiratory support with flows 3.0-6.0 L/min. Cannulation approaches include percutaneous (Seldinger technique with ultrasound guidance - preferred), semi-open (cut-down with vessel identification), and open (direct cannulation during cardiac surgery). Critical considerations: (1) Cannula sizing based on patient BSA (23-27 Fr for drainage, 15-19 Fr for return); (2) Distal limb perfusion with VA-ECMO (6-8 Fr antegrade cannula to superficial femoral artery); (3) Imaging guidance (ultrasound mandatory, fluoroscopy for complex cases, TEE for central cannulation); (4) Anticoagulation (ACT 180-220 seconds, aPTT 40-60 seconds); (5) Position verification (drainage tip at IVC-RA junction for VV; arterial tip in aorta/iliac for VA).[1-5]


Overview

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has emerged as a critical rescue therapy for patients with severe cardiac and/or respiratory failure refractory to conventional management. The procedure involves diverting blood from the patient through an extracorporeal circuit incorporating a centrifugal pump and membrane oxygenator, then returning oxygenated blood to the circulation.[1] The success of ECMO therapy hinges critically on establishing reliable, adequate vascular access through appropriately positioned cannulas.

The two primary ECMO configurations differ fundamentally in their physiology and cannulation approach. Veno-arterial ECMO (VA-ECMO) provides both cardiac and pulmonary support by draining venous blood and returning it to the arterial system, effectively bypassing the heart and lungs.[2] Veno-venous ECMO (VV-ECMO) provides isolated respiratory support, with blood drained from the venous system and returned to the venous system, requiring the patient's native cardiac function to maintain systemic perfusion.[3]

Cannulation techniques have evolved significantly, with a shift from open surgical cut-down to percutaneous Seldinger-based approaches facilitated by ultrasound guidance.[4] This evolution has enabled rapid ECMO initiation at the bedside, in catheterization laboratories, or even in pre-hospital settings by retrieval services. However, the technical demands remain substantial, requiring expertise in vascular access, ultrasound interpretation, and immediate recognition and management of complications.

Australian and New Zealand practice reflects international trends, with ECMO increasingly available in major tertiary centres and expanding use in retrieval medicine.[5] The geography of the region creates unique challenges, with the need for inter-hospital ECMO retrieval across vast distances and the requirement for maintenance of perfusion during transport. Indigenous populations face additional barriers to ECMO access, requiring culturally appropriate approaches to patient selection and family communication in time-critical scenarios.[6]


ECMO Configurations and Physiology

Veno-Arterial ECMO (VA-ECMO)

Physiological Principles:

  • Blood flow: Deoxygenated blood drained from right atrium/inferior vena cava via venous cannula
  • Oxygenation: Blood passes through membrane oxygenator achieving 95-100% saturation
  • Return: Oxygenated blood returned to arterial system via arterial cannula
  • Cardiac support: Provides complete or partial circulatory support (up to 80% of cardiac output)
  • Oxygen delivery: Mixed with native cardiac output creating "watershed" phenomenon in aorta[1]

Cannulation Options:

SiteDrainageReturnAdvantagesDisadvantages
Femoral-femoralFemoral vein (23-27 Fr)Femoral artery (15-19 Fr)Rapid, bedside, familiar anatomyLower limb ischemia, Harlequin syndrome[2]
Femoral-axillaryFemoral veinAxillary artery (side graft)Upper body perfusion, ambulation possibleRequires surgical cut-down, brachial plexus risk
Central (open)Right atrium (direct)Ascending aorta (direct)Maximal flows, cardiac surgical patientsRequires sternotomy, bleeding risk
Carotid arteryInternal jugular or femoral veinRight carotid artery (neonates/paediatrics)Excellent upper body perfusion in small patientsCerebral perfusion risk, stroke concern

Hemodynamic Effects:

  • Afterload reduction: Peripheral VA-ECMO reduces LV afterload
  • LV distension risk: Severe LV dysfunction may lead to pulmonary edema; requires venting (LA/PA) or Impella
  • Watershed effect: Mixing zone between native and ECMO blood flow; femoral cannulation creates hypoxic cerebral perfusion if native lung function poor[3]

Veno-Venous ECMO (VV-ECMO)

Physiological Principles:

  • Blood flow: Deoxygenated blood drained from venous system (IVC, SVC, or RA)
  • Oxygenation: Blood oxygenated and CO₂ removed via membrane oxygenator
  • Return: Oxygenated blood returned to right atrium
  • Cardiac dependence: Native heart must pump oxygenated blood to systemic circulation
  • Recirculation: Oxygenated blood immediately drawn back into drainage cannula if positioned incorrectly[4]

Cannulation Options:

ConfigurationDrainageReturnAdvantagesDisadvantages
Femoral-IJ (dual-site)Femoral vein (21-25 Fr)Internal jugular (15-19 Fr)Low recirculation, independent sitesTwo access sites, patient positioning limited
Femoral-femoralRight femoral veinLeft femoral veinSingle site preparationHigher recirculation if both in IVC
Dual-lumen IJ (Avalon/Origen)Single cannula with dual lumen via IJSingle site, lower recirculation, patient mobilityRequires precise positioning, TEE guidance essentialTechnical difficulty, malposition risk
Internal jugular-femoralInternal jugular (19-21 Fr)Femoral veinAlternative to femoral drainageHigher recirculation

Recirculation Phenomenon:

  • Definition: Freshly oxygenated blood from return port immediately drawn into drainage port
  • Effect: Reduces effective ECMO flow and oxygen delivery
  • Prevention: Separate drainage and return ports by >10-15 cm
  • Detection: Pre-oxygenator blood saturation >75% suggests significant recirculation[5]

Cannulation Techniques

Percutaneous Cannulation

Preparation:[6]

  • Ultrasound equipment: Linear array probe (5-10 MHz) with sterile probe cover
  • Cannulation kit: Introducer needles (18G), guidewires (0.035" or 0.038"), dilators (12-16 Fr), cannulas
  • Site preparation: Sterile field, chlorhexidine skin prep, full barrier precautions
  • Prophylaxis: Broad-spectrum antibiotics within 1 hour (vancomycin + cephalosporin)

Step-by-Step Technique:

Femoral Vein Cannulation:

  1. Ultrasound identification: Locate femoral vein medial to artery, compressible, non-pulsatile
  2. Anatomical landmarks: Inguinal ligament, artery pulse, vein 1-2 cm medial
  3. Needle insertion: 18G introducer needle at 30-45° angle, ultrasound-guided in-plane or out-of-plane
  4. Flashback confirmation: Free-flowing dark venous blood; avoid bright red arterial blood
  5. Guidewire insertion: 0.035" or 0.038" J-wire through needle; should advance easily without resistance
  6. Wire position confirmation: Ultrasound verification in vessel lumen, no extravasation
  7. Dilation: Serial dilation (12-14-16-18-20 Fr) over guidewire with gentle twisting motion
  8. Cannula insertion: Advance cannula over guidewire to predetermined depth (markings on cannula)
  9. Position verification: Ultrasound confirmation of tip position (IVC-RA junction for drainage)
  10. Connection: Secure cannula, connect to circuit, de-air meticulously

Femoral Artery Cannulation:[7]

  1. Ultrasound identification: Artery lateral to vein, pulsatile, non-compressible
  2. Access: 18G needle or micropuncture set (4-5 Fr) for initial access
  3. Guidewire: 0.035" or 0.038" J-wire into vessel
  4. Pre-close technique: Two 6 Fr Perclose ProGlide devices deployed before large dilation (optional but recommended)
  5. Serial dilation: Up to 12-14 Fr for arterial cannula
  6. Cannula insertion: Advance arterial cannula 15-20 cm (tip in external iliac or common femoral artery)
  7. Distal perfusion: Immediately place 6-8 Fr antegrade superficial femoral artery cannula via same puncture (Y-technique) or separate puncture

Internal Jugular Vein Cannulation:[8]

  • Approach: High IJ approach for return cannula (VV-ECMO) or drainage (VA-ECMO)
  • Ultrasound guidance: Identify IJ lateral to carotid artery, avoid carotid puncture
  • Technique: Similar Seldinger approach with serial dilation
  • Depth: 12-15 cm for return cannula tip at SVC-RA junction
  • Dual-lumen cannula: Avalon Elite or Origen DL requires precise positioning at IVC-RA junction with return port directed toward tricuspid valve

Semi-Open Cannulation

Indications:[9]

  • Failed percutaneous attempts
  • Severe peripheral vascular disease
  • Obesity with inadequate ultrasound penetration
  • Anticipated need for prolonged support (>7-10 days)
  • Need for simultaneous procedures (distal perfusion cannulation, fasciotomy)

Technique:

  1. Incision: 3-5 cm transverse incision over vessel
  2. Dissection: Blunt dissection to identify vessel, place vessel loops for control
  3. Puncture: Direct needle puncture with Seldinger technique under direct vision
  4. Cannulation: Standard dilation and cannula insertion
  5. Closure: Vessel closure with purse-string sutures or direct repair after decannulation

Central (Open) Cannulation

Indications:[10]

  • Post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock (inability to wean from CPB)
  • Conversion from peripheral to central VA-ECMO
  • Need for maximum flows (adult patients with high metabolic demands)
  • Concomitant cardiac surgical procedures

Technique:

  1. Sternotomy: Median sternotomy (if not already performed)
  2. Venous cannulation: Direct purse-string sutures in right atrial appendage, insertion of 28-32 Fr cannula
  3. Arterial cannulation: Purse-string in ascending aorta, insertion of 20-24 Fr arterial cannula
  4. Alternative: Axillary artery with 8 mm Dacron side graft for return
  5. Decannulation: Direct suture closure of purse-strings after ECMO discontinuation

Cannula Selection and Sizing

Cannula Characteristics

Drainage Cannulas (Venous):

  • Material: Biocompatible polyurethane or silicone
  • Features: Multiple side holes (proximal and distal), radiopaque markings, wire-reinforced to prevent kinking
  • Tip design: Blunt or tapered to minimize vascular injury
  • Length: 50-70 cm for femoral approach; 15-25 cm for IJ approach

Return Cannulas (Arterial):

  • Material: Wire-reinforced polyurethane
  • Features: Fewer side holes (distal tip primarily), high-pressure rated
  • Tip design: Tapered for smooth flow delivery
  • Length: 15-25 cm for femoral; 12-18 cm for axillary/IJ

Dual-Lumen Cannulas:

  • Design: Single cannula with separate drainage and return lumens
  • Position: Internal jugular insertion with tip at IVC-RA junction
  • Advantages: Single access site, lower recirculation, patient mobility
  • Examples: Avalon Elite 27/25 Fr, Origen DL 24 Fr, Crescent 27 Fr

Sizing Guidelines

Venous Cannulas (Drainage):[11]

Patient BSA (m²)Femoral DrainageInternal Jugular DrainageFlow Capacity
1.2-1.4 (small adult)21-23 Fr19-21 Fr3.0-4.0 L/min
1.5-1.8 (average adult)23-25 Fr21-23 Fr4.0-5.5 L/min
1.9-2.2 (large adult)25-27 Fr23-25 Fr5.0-6.5 L/min
>2.2 (obese)27-29 Fr25-27 Fr5.5-7.0 L/min

Arterial Cannulas (Return - VA-ECMO):

Patient BSA (m²)Femoral ArterialAxillary ArterialFlow Capacity
1.2-1.415-17 Fr18-20 Fr (via graft)3.0-4.0 L/min
1.5-1.817-19 Fr20-22 Fr (via graft)4.0-5.5 L/min
1.9-2.219-21 Fr22-24 Fr (via graft)5.0-6.0 L/min

Key Considerations:

  • Hemolysis: Smaller cannulas increase shear stress and hemolysis
  • Resistance: Longer cannulas increase resistance; keep as short as feasible
  • Recirculation (VV): Adequate separation between drainage and return essential
  • Vessel size: Ensure vessel diameter >1.5x cannula outer diameter

Flow Physics

Poiseuille's Law Application:

  • Flow is proportional to cannula radius⁴ and inversely proportional to length
  • Doubling cannula diameter increases flow capacity 16-fold
  • Minimizing cannula length reduces resistance significantly
  • Clinical implication: Choose largest feasible cannula diameter, shortest feasible length

Pressure Relationships:

  • Drainage pressure: Should be -20 to -80 mmHg (more negative indicates inadequate venous return or cannula obstruction)
  • Return pressure: Should be <300 mmHg (higher indicates cannula obstruction or excessive flow)
  • Pressure drop: Total circuit pressure drop should be <100 mmHg for efficient operation

Imaging Guidance

Ultrasound Guidance (Mandatory)

Equipment:[12]

  • Linear array probe: 5-10 MHz for vessel visualization
  • Sterile probe cover: With acoustic gel inside and out
  • Depth settings: 3-6 cm for femoral vessels, 4-8 cm for IJ
  • Modes: B-mode (anatomy), Color Doppler (flow confirmation), M-mode (less commonly used)

Pre-cannulation Assessment:

Femoral Vessels:

  • Identification: Vein medial, compressible, non-pulsatile; artery lateral, pulsatile, non-compressible
  • Size measurement: Ensure vessel >1.5x cannula diameter; measure in transverse and longitudinal
  • Depth assessment: <3 cm ideal for percutaneous access; deeper vessels may require longer needles
  • Pathology assessment: Atherosclerosis, thrombus, stenosis, aneurysm, calcification
  • Anatomical variants: High bifurcation, duplicate vessels, circumaortic IVC

Internal Jugular Vein:

  • Position: Lateral to carotid artery (varies with head rotation)
  • Size: Should expand with Trendelenburg or Valsalva; >8-10 mm diameter ideal
  • Thrombus: Assess for IJ thrombosis (contraindication to cannulation)
  • Relationship to carotid: Ensure adequate separation; avoid carotid puncture

Intra-procedural Guidance:

  • Real-time needle visualization: In-plane (longitudinal) approach preferred for vessel visualization
  • Wire confirmation: Visualize wire within vessel lumen in two planes
  • Dilation monitoring: Ensure dilator remains in vessel, no extravasation
  • Cannula tip position: Confirm final position (IVC-RA junction for drainage; iliac/aorta for arterial)

Post-cannulation Verification:

  • Position: Document cannula tip location
  • Flow: Color Doppler confirmation of flow around cannula
  • Complications: Check for hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, thrombus, vessel dissection

Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)

Indications:[13]

  • Central cannulation: Direct visualization of cannula placement in RA/aorta
  • Dual-lumen VV-ECMO: Mandatory for Avalon/Origen positioning (tip at IVC-RA junction)
  • Complication assessment: Pericardial effusion, tamponade, aortic dissection
  • Cardiac function: LV distension assessment on VA-ECMO, native cardiac recovery

Key Views:

  • Mid-esophageal 4-chamber: RA cannula position, septal position
  • Mid-esophageal bicaval: IVC-RA junction (target for drainage cannula tip)
  • Transgastric short-axis: LV function, distension, regional wall motion
  • Mid-esophageal aortic valve short-axis: Aortic position of arterial cannula
  • Descending aortic short-axis: Assess for aortic dissection

Fluoroscopy

Indications:[14]

  • Complex cannulation: Difficult anatomy, previous vascular surgery
  • Dual-lumen cannula placement: Confirm Avalon/Origen position with contrast injection
  • Complication management: Stent placement for dissection, coil embolization for bleeding
  • Tip position confirmation: Radiopaque cannula markers under fluoroscopy

Technique:

  • Contrast injection: Through cannula to confirm position (avoid excessive contrast in renal dysfunction)
  • Roadmapping: Useful for difficult anatomy
  • Position confirmation: Drainage tip at IVC-RA junction; return cannula directed toward tricuspid valve (VV) or in aorta/iliac (VA)

Site-Specific Considerations

Femoral Vascular Access

Advantages:[15]

  • Rapid bedside cannulation without surgical expertise
  • Familiar anatomy with ultrasound guidance
  • Suitable for most patient sizes
  • Enables fem-fem VA-ECMO configuration

Disadvantages:

  • Lower limb ischemia: 10-30% incidence without distal perfusion
  • Mobility limitation: Patient bedbound with femoral cannulas
  • Infection risk: Groin site difficult to keep sterile
  • Vascular complications: Arterial injury, pseudoaneurysm, AV fistula

Distal Perfusion Management: Critical to prevent limb ischemia with femoral arterial cannulation:[16]

TechniqueDescriptionAdvantagesDisadvantages
Antegrade SFA cannula6-8 Fr cannula via separate puncture or Y-technique into superficial femoral arteryReliable perfusion, standard techniqueAdditional puncture, dissection risk
Distal perfusion cannulaDedicated side-hole cannula with distal limb lumen (Crescent, Origen)Single cannulation, integrated perfusionLimited availability, larger cannula
Tandem cannulationTwo arterial cannulas - one retrograde to aorta, one antegrade to legExcellent flow to limbTwo access sites, complexity
Surgical cut-downDirect SFA cannulation under visionControlled placementSurgical time, expertise required

Monitoring for Ischemia:

  • Clinical: Distal pulses, limb temperature, color, capillary refill, compartment pain
  • Doppler ultrasound: Ankle/brachial index, flow signals
  • Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS): Tissue oxygenation monitoring on calf/thigh
  • Compartment pressure: Measure if concern for compartment syndrome (>30 mmHg abnormal)

Axillary Artery Access

Advantages:[17]

  • Upper body perfusion: Avoids Harlequin syndrome with better cerebral oxygenation
  • Ambulation possible: Patient can mobilize with axillary cannulation
  • Lower limb sparing: No femoral arterial cannulation required

Disadvantages:

  • Surgical cut-down required: Cannot be done percutaneously safely
  • Brachial plexus risk: Nerve injury during dissection (2-5%)
  • Flow limitation: Smaller vessel diameter limits maximum flow (typically 3.0-4.5 L/min)
  • Hand ischemia: Requires distal radial artery perfusion or adequate collateral circulation

Technique:[18]

  1. Incision: 5-6 cm infraclavicular or deltopectoral groove
  2. Dissection: Identify axillary artery, place vessel loops for control
  3. Side graft: 8-10 mm Dacron graft anastomosed end-to-side to axillary artery
  4. Cannulation: 18-22 Fr arterial cannula inserted into graft
  5. Distal perfusion: Ensure adequate hand perfusion via radial/ulnar arteries

Internal Jugular Access

Advantages:[19]

  • Central venous drainage: Excellent flow, direct access to right atrium
  • Upper body positioning: Patient can sit partially upright
  • VV-ECMO return site: Standard for dual-site configuration

Disadvantages:

  • Carotid injury risk: Accidental puncture with stroke risk
  • Thoracic duct injury: Left IJ approach (chyle leak)
  • Pneumothorax: Apical pleura proximity (rare with ultrasound)
  • Air embolism risk: Negative pressure during insertion

Dual-Lumen Cannula Specifics:

  • Positioning critical: Must be at IVC-RA junction with return port toward tricuspid valve
  • TEE mandatory: Real-time guidance for positioning
  • Recirculation: If too proximal in IVC, recirculation increases; if too deep in RA, may cause arrhythmias
  • Oxygen saturation: Pre-oxygenator saturation >75% suggests malposition with recirculation

Complications and Management

Vascular Complications

Arterial Dissection:[20]

  • Incidence: 1-3% with femoral arterial cannulation
  • Mechanism: Guidewire or cannula trauma to diseased arterial wall
  • Recognition: Acute loss of distal pulses, hypertension, retroperitoneal bleeding, false lumen on imaging
  • Management:
    • Immediate angiography to assess extent
    • Endovascular stent placement if feasible
    • Surgical repair if extensive or endovascular failure
    • May require vascular surgery consultation and operative exploration

Vascular Perforation/Rupture:

  • Causes: Excessive dilation force, guidewire exit from vessel, cannula malposition
  • Recognition: Sudden hypotension, expanding hematoma, retroperitoneal bleeding, hemodynamic instability
  • Management:
    • Immediate compression if accessible
    • Reverse anticoagulation (protamine 1 mg per 100 units heparin)
    • Endovascular balloon occlusion or stent graft
    • Surgical exploration if bleeding uncontrolled
    • Massive transfusion protocol activation

Pseudoaneurysm:

  • Incidence: 5-10% after femoral arterial cannulation
  • Recognition: Pulsatile groin mass, continuous bruit, ultrasound showing turbulent flow
  • Management:
    • Ultrasound-guided compression (rarely successful with large cannula site)
    • Thrombin injection under ultrasound guidance
    • Surgical repair if failed or expanding

Arteriovenous Fistula:

  • Causes: Simultaneous arterial and venous puncture with tract formation
  • Recognition: Continuous bruit, high-output cardiac failure, limb swelling
  • Management: Surgical repair; rarely close spontaneously

Limb Ischemia

Lower Limb Ischemia (VA-ECMO):[21]

  • Incidence: 10-30% without distal perfusion; 5-10% with distal perfusion
  • Risk factors: Peripheral vascular disease, small vessel caliber, large cannula size, diabetes, shock
  • Spectrum:
    • Mild: Reduced pulses, cool extremity (common, often tolerated)
    • Moderate: Pain, pallor, paresthesia, paralysis ("4 Ps")
    • Severe: Compartment syndrome, tissue necrosis, limb loss
  • Prevention: Mandatory distal perfusion cannulation, smallest feasible arterial cannula
  • Monitoring: Hourly neurovascular checks, NIRS tissue oxygenation, Doppler signals
  • Management:
    • Optimize distal perfusion flow
    • Fasciotomy if compartment syndrome (anterior and lateral compartments)
    • Consider cannula repositioning or conversion to central VA-ECMO
    • Amputation (rarely required, 2-5%)

Upper Limb Ischemia (Axillary Artery):

  • Incidence: 5-15%
  • Assessment: Hand perfusion via radial/ulnar arteries; Allen test pre-cannulation
  • Management: Distal radial artery perfusion cannula, surgical exploration if severe

Cannula Malposition:[22]

  • Venous drainage too proximal: Poor flows, suction events, access of hepatic veins or renal veins
  • Venous drainage too deep: Right ventricular perforation, arrhythmias, tricuspid valve interference
  • Arterial cannula too proximal: External iliac/femoral position reduces flow, limb ischemia
  • Arterial cannula too deep: Aortic valve interference (rare), mesenteric artery cannulation
  • Dual-lumen malposition: High recirculation, inadequate oxygenation, arrhythmias

Recognition and Management:

  • Poor flows: Inadequate drainage (<3 L/min) or high return pressures (>300 mmHg)
  • Repositioning: Under TEE/fluoroscopy guidance; may require new access site
  • Monitoring: Continuous flow monitoring, pressure differential assessment

Suction Events:

  • Mechanism: Drainage cannula against vessel wall or myocardium causes intermittent occlusion
  • Manifestation: Flow oscillations, line "chatter," alarms
  • Management:
    • Reposition patient (Trendelenburg, lateral decubitus)
    • Adjust cannula depth (withdraw slightly)
    • Increase circulating volume (fluid bolus)
    • Consider inotropes to increase venous return

Cannula Thrombosis:

  • Incidence: 5-10% with inadequate anticoagulation
  • Recognition: Rising circuit pressures, falling flows, hemolysis
  • Management:
    • Optimize anticoagulation (increase heparin)
    • Cannula exchange if thrombosis severe
    • Thrombolytic therapy rarely used (bleeding risk)

Other Complications

ComplicationIncidencePreventionManagement
Hemorrhage (cannulation site)10-20%Pre-close sutures, adequate anticoagulation reversalPressure, surgical exploration if >200 mL/hr
Infection (exit site)15-30%Sterile technique, chlorhexidine dressingsAntibiotics, site care, rarely cannula change
Nerve injury2-5%Ultrasound guidance, careful dissectionSupportive, usually temporary
Pneumothorax<1%Ultrasound guidance for IJChest tube if symptomatic or >20%
Chyle leak (left IJ)<1%Avoid left IJ if possibleMedium-chain triglyceride diet, surgical ligation if persistent
Air embolism<1%De-airing, TrendelenburgLeft lateral decubitus, aspiration if large

Special Populations and Considerations

Pediatric and Neonatal Cannulation

Size Considerations:[23]

  • Vessel size: Limits cannula diameter; may require central cannulation in small infants
  • Flow requirements: 100-150 mL/kg/min (higher per-kg than adults)
  • Cannula sizes:
    • Neonates: 8-12 Fr arterial, 10-14 Fr venous
    • Infants: 10-14 Fr arterial, 12-16 Fr venous
    • Children: 14-19 Fr arterial, 16-21 Fr venous

Access Sites:

  • Neck vessels: Carotid artery and internal jugular vein (surgical cut-down)
  • Femoral vessels: Limited in children <15-20 kg due to size
  • Central: Median sternotomy with direct RA/aortic cannulation

Specific Considerations:

  • Carotid ligation: Often required for neonatal VA-ECMO; long-term neurological outcomes generally good
  • Long-term access: May require central cannulation for anticipated prolonged runs (>14-21 days)

Obese Patients

Challenges:[24]

  • Vessel depth: Femoral vessels may be >5-6 cm deep, requiring longer needles and specialized equipment
  • Ultrasound penetration: May require lower frequency probes (3-5 MHz) with decreased resolution
  • Cannula length: Standard 55 cm venous cannulas may be insufficient; require 65-70 cm extended lengths
  • Size requirements: May need 27-29 Fr venous cannulas for adequate flow

Solutions:

  • Experienced operator: Obese cannulation requires advanced ultrasound skills
  • Alternative access: Consider internal jugular for drainage, axillary artery for return
  • Surgical cut-down: Semi-open technique may be safer in morbid obesity

Anticoagulation and Bleeding

Cannulation-Specific Considerations:[25]

  • Pre-cannulation: Check coagulation profile; reverse anticoagulation if supratherapeutic
  • Heparin timing:
    • Peripheral cannulation: Heparin 50-100 units/kg after wire access secured
    • Central cannulation: Full heparinization as for CPB (ACT >400 seconds)
  • Post-cannulation:
    • ACT 180-220 seconds or aPTT 40-60 seconds for maintenance
    • If bleeding from site: Reduce heparin temporarily, apply pressure, surgical exploration if needed

Indigenous Health Considerations

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia experience higher rates of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases that may require ECMO support, including severe influenza, invasive streptococcal infections, and complications of rheumatic heart disease.[26] However, significant barriers limit access to this life-saving therapy for Indigenous populations.

Geographical and Access Barriers: ECMO services are concentrated in major metropolitan centres (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane), while many Indigenous Australians live in remote and regional areas. The time-critical nature of ECMO initiation for conditions like severe ARDS or cardiogenic shock creates an "ECMO window" that may close before patients can be retrieved to ECMO-capable centres.[27] The concept of the "golden hour" for ECMO initiation is challenging when retrieval times from remote communities may exceed 4-6 hours.

The Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) provides some assistance for medical travel, but urgent ECMO retrieval requires aeromedical transport with specialized teams. The cost and logistics of retrieving patients from remote communities with ECMO-capable aircraft (fixed-wing with cabin pressurization, specialized equipment) present systemic barriers. Some patients may not be offered ECMO simply due to geographical inaccessibility rather than clinical unsuitability.[28]

Cultural Considerations in Time-Critical Decisions: ECMO cannulation often occurs in emergency situations where patients cannot provide informed consent due to sedation, intubation, or altered consciousness. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, decision-making typically involves extended family and community consultation. The urgency of ECMO initiation may not allow time for full family consultation, particularly for patients retrieved from remote areas where family may be hours away by road.[29]

Healthcare providers must balance the urgency of cannulation with cultural obligations. Where possible, telephone consultation with family members should occur before cannulation. Aboriginal Health Workers or Aboriginal Liaison Officers can facilitate rapid communication and ensure cultural protocols are observed even in emergency situations. Documentation should reflect the urgency and the efforts made to involve family.[30]

Post-Cannulation Support: Indigenous patients on ECMO require the same level of intensive care support as non-Indigenous patients, but additional considerations apply. Family members who travel to be at the bedside may need accommodation support, as PATS typically covers patient travel only. The emotional and financial burden on families from remote communities can be substantial.

Language barriers may affect communication about prognosis, complications, and end-of-life decisions. Interpreter services, including telephone interpreters for Indigenous languages, should be utilized. Visual aids and diagrams can help explain ECMO technology to families with limited English proficiency or health literacy.[31]

Survivorship and Follow-up: ECMO survivors require long-term follow-up for neurological, physical, and psychological recovery. For Indigenous patients from remote areas, maintaining engagement with follow-up services is challenging. Telehealth and mobile health services can support remote follow-up, but infrastructure limitations in some communities limit this option. Partnerships between metropolitan ECMO centres and regional Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) can improve post-ECMO care continuity.[32]

Māori Health

Māori populations in New Zealand experience health inequities that affect ECMO access and outcomes. Higher rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions create a population with significant need for advanced critical care support, yet access to ECMO services may be inequitable.[33]

Whānau Decision-Making: Māori health decision-making involves collective whānau processes guided by tikanga Māori. In emergency ECMO situations, the inability to convene whānau quickly may create ethical tensions. Healthcare teams must navigate this with cultural sensitivity, recognizing that individual autonomy (as emphasized in Western bioethics) may conflict with whānau collective decision-making.[34]

Where time permits, allowing whānau to gather at the bedside or participate via video conference supports culturally appropriate decision-making. Some iwi (tribes) have specific tikanga around medical interventions and death that should be respected. Karakia (prayers) and cultural rituals can be accommodated even in the ICU environment with advance planning and communication.[35]

Rural Access and Equity: New Zealand's geography creates access challenges for rural Māori populations. ECMO services are available in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, with transport times from rural areas potentially exceeding the therapeutic window for some conditions. The development of mobile ECMO retrieval services and pre-hospital ECMO initiation (as practiced in some European centres) could improve equity of access for rural Māori.[36]

Cultural Safety in Critical Care: Māori patients and whānau may experience institutional racism within healthcare settings, affecting trust and communication. Creating culturally safe environments requires Māori workforce development, cultural competency training for all staff, and institutional commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations. For ECMO teams, this means ensuring Māori cultural advisors are available and that care planning includes consideration of cultural needs.[37]

Post-ECMO Rehabilitation: ECMO survivors often require prolonged rehabilitation for ICU-acquired weakness, cognitive impairment, and psychological sequelae. For Māori patients, rehabilitation services should be culturally appropriate and accessible. Whānau involvement in rehabilitation is important and should be facilitated. Community-based rehabilitation through Māori health providers may improve outcomes and reduce the burden of travel to metropolitan services.[38]


ANZCA Examination Focus

Final Written Examination

High-Yield Topics:

  1. ECMO configurations: VA vs VV, indications for each, physiological differences
  2. Cannulation techniques: Percutaneous vs open, ultrasound guidance, Seldinger technique
  3. Cannula sizing: Based on BSA, flow requirements, vessel diameter
  4. Distal perfusion: Mandatory for femoral VA-ECMO, techniques, monitoring
  5. Complications: Limb ischemia, vascular injury, malposition, recirculation (VV)
  6. Imaging: Ultrasound mandatory, TEE for dual-lumen, fluoroscopy indications
  7. Anticoagulation: ACT targets, heparin dosing, bleeding management

Common SAQ Themes:

  • Describe the cannulation technique for femoral VA-ECMO including distal perfusion management
  • A patient on VV-ECMO has persistent hypoxemia despite maximal flows. Discuss your approach including assessment for recirculation
  • Outline the complications of femoral arterial cannulation and their prevention/management
  • Compare and contrast VA-ECMO and VV-ECMO configurations including indications and cannulation approach

Final Viva Voce

Viva Scenario 1: ECMO Cannulation Overview

Examiner: "Tell me about ECMO cannulation and the different approaches."

Candidate Response Framework:

  1. Definition: Establishment of vascular access for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation using large-bore cannulas
  2. Configurations: VA (veno-arterial) for cardiopulmonary support; VV (veno-venous) for isolated respiratory support
  3. Techniques: Percutaneous Seldinger (preferred), semi-open cut-down, open central cannulation
  4. Cannula sizing: 23-27 Fr venous drainage, 15-19 Fr arterial return for adults; based on BSA and flow requirements
  5. Imaging: Ultrasound mandatory for percutaneous, TEE for dual-lumen VV, fluoroscopy for complex cases
  6. Complications: Limb ischemia (requires distal perfusion), vascular injury, malposition, bleeding

Viva Scenario 2: VA-ECMO Cannulation

Examiner: "You are cannulating a patient for femoral VA-ECMO. Describe your technique and the critical steps."

Candidate: "For femoral VA-ECMO cannulation, I would use a percutaneous ultrasound-guided approach, which is the standard for peripheral ECMO.

First, I prepare the patient with appropriate monitoring—arterial line, central venous access if time permits, and ensure anesthesia support as this can be uncomfortable despite local anesthetic. The patient is positioned supine with the groin exposed and prepped with chlorhexidine in a sterile fashion.

I use ultrasound with a linear probe to identify the anatomy—the femoral vein is medial to the artery, compressible, and non-pulsatile. I measure the vessel diameters to ensure they can accommodate the cannulas—typically I need >8 mm for a 23-25 Fr venous cannula and >6 mm for a 17-19 Fr arterial cannula.

For the venous cannulation, I use an 18G needle with ultrasound guidance—either in-plane to visualize the needle shaft or out-of-plane for shallow angles. Once I get dark venous blood return, I advance a 0.035 or 0.038 inch J-wire. I confirm wire position with ultrasound in two planes, then perform serial dilation starting at 12 Fr and progressing to 18-20 Fr before inserting the 23-27 Fr venous cannula. I advance this to 45-50 cm depth with the tip at the IVC-RA junction.

For the arterial cannulation, the approach is similar but with additional precautions. I use the pre-close technique deploying two Perclose devices before dilation to facilitate closure later. I cannulate the artery with an 18G needle, wire, and dilate to 14-16 Fr before inserting the 17-19 Fr arterial cannula to 15-20 cm depth. Critically, I must ensure distal limb perfusion—I either place a 6-8 Fr antegrade cannula into the superficial femoral artery via the same puncture using a Y-technique, or via a separate puncture.

Finally, I connect to the ECMO circuit, ensure meticulous de-airing with the patient in Trendelenburg, and confirm cannula positions with ultrasound or TEE before initiating full flows."

Viva Scenario 3: Complication Management

Examiner: "You have initiated VA-ECMO via femoral cannulation. Two hours later, the patient's right foot is cold, pale, and the patient complains of severe pain. There are no distal pulses. What is your management?"

Candidate: "This presentation is consistent with severe lower limb ischemia from femoral arterial cannulation, a known complication occurring in 10-30% of cases without adequate distal perfusion. This is an emergency requiring immediate intervention.

First, I assess the severity—this appears severe given the pain, pallor, and absent pulses. I check the contralateral leg to ensure we're not dealing with systemic hypoperfusion, and I measure compartment pressures if equipment available—pressures >30 mmHg suggest compartment syndrome.

My immediate priority is restoring distal perfusion. I check the distal perfusion cannula—if one wasn't placed or is not functioning, I immediately place a 6-8 Fr antegrade cannula into the superficial femoral artery either via the same groin puncture using a Y-technique or via a separate distal puncture. I connect this to the ECMO circuit side port or use a separate roller pump to provide antegrade flow.

If a distal cannula is already present but not effective, I check for kinks or thrombosis—flush the cannula or exchange it. I consider repositioning the arterial cannula if it's too proximal—advancing it more distally may improve distal flow.

I check compartment pressures and if elevated or if clinical compartment syndrome present, I perform immediate bedside four-compartment fasciotomy of the lower leg—anterior and lateral compartments through single incision, superficial and deep posterior compartments through separate incision.

I also optimize systemic hemodynamics—ensure MAP >70 mmHg to maximize perfusion pressure. I continue anticoagulation unless there is active bleeding, as thrombosis risk remains high.

If limb perfusion cannot be restored with these measures or if there is evidence of muscle necrosis, I consider surgical exploration and possibly conversion to alternative cannulation—either contralateral femoral, axillary artery, or central aortic cannulation.

Finally, I document the neurovascular status hourly and involve vascular surgery early. If fasciotomy required, I return to theatre for definitive wound management once the patient stabilized."

Common Mistakes in Examinations

Knowledge Errors:

  • Not mentioning distal perfusion for femoral VA-ECMO (critical safety issue)
  • Incorrect cannula sizes (venous should be larger than arterial)
  • Confusing VA and VV physiology (VA provides cardiac support, VV does not)
  • Forgetting to mention ultrasound guidance (mandatory for percutaneous)
  • Not knowing recirculation as VV-ECMO complication
  • Incorrect anticoagulation targets

Clinical Reasoning Errors:

  • Not recognizing limb ischemia urgency
  • Attempting to manage cannula malposition without imaging
  • Forgetting to mention TEE for dual-lumen cannula positioning
  • Not considering conversion to central ECMO if peripheral complications occur
  • Missing Harlequin syndrome with femoral VA-ECMO

Assessment Content

SAQ 1: VV-ECMO Cannulation (20 marks)

Question: A 35-year-old patient with severe ARDS is being cannulated for VV-ECMO using the femoral-internal jugular configuration. Describe the cannulation technique, including positioning and flow verification. (20 marks)

Model Answer:

Introduction (2 marks): VV-ECMO provides isolated respiratory support and requires adequate venous drainage and return without recirculation. The femoral-IJ configuration is common, with drainage from the femoral vein (IVC) and return via internal jugular (RA).

Preparation (3 marks):

  • Ultrasound equipment with sterile probe cover for vessel identification and guidance
  • Cannulation kit: 18G needles, 0.035"/0.038" J-wires, serial dilators (12-20 Fr), 23-25 Fr venous drainage cannula, 19-21 Fr return cannula
  • Patient monitoring: Arterial line, central venous access if not already present
  • Positioning: Supine, Trendelenburg for IJ cannulation, groin and neck prepped with chlorhexidine
  • Prophylactic antibiotics within 1 hour (vancomycin + cephalosporin)

Femoral Vein Drainage Cannulation (6 marks):

  1. Ultrasound identification (1 mark): Locate femoral vein medial to artery, compressible; measure diameter (>1.5x cannula OD required)
  2. Access (1 mark): 18G needle with ultrasound guidance (in-plane preferred), flashback of dark venous blood
  3. Wire insertion (1 mark): 0.035" or 0.038" J-wire; should advance without resistance; confirm position with ultrasound in two planes
  4. Dilation (1 mark): Serial dilation 12-14-16-18-20 Fr over wire with gentle twisting; ensure wire doesn't kink
  5. Cannula insertion (1 mark): Advance 23-25 Fr multi-stage venous cannula over wire to 45-55 cm depth; tip should be at IVC-RA junction
  6. Position verification (1 mark): Ultrasound or TEE confirmation of tip position at IVC-RA junction; no resistance to advancement

Internal Jugular Return Cannulation (5 marks):

  1. Ultrasound identification (1 mark): IJ lateral to carotid artery; ensure >8-10 mm diameter; assess for thrombosis
  2. Patient positioning (1 mark): Trendelenburg 15-20° to distend vein and prevent air embolism; head turned slightly left (for right IJ)
  3. Access and wire (1 mark): 18G needle with ultrasound guidance; avoid carotid puncture; J-wire to SVC
  4. Dilation and cannulation (1 mark): Dilate to 16-18 Fr; insert 19-21 Fr return cannula to 12-16 cm depth; tip at SVC-RA junction
  5. Position verification (1 mark): Ultrasound or TEE confirmation; return port should be in RA with flow directed toward tricuspid valve

Flow Verification and Optimization (4 marks):

  1. Circuit connection and de-airing (1 mark): Meticulous de-airing with Trendelenburg; check all connections secure
  2. Initial flows (1 mark): Target 3.5-5.5 L/min for adults (60-80 mL/kg/min); may start at 3.0 L/min and increase gradually
  3. Recirculation assessment (1 mark): Pre-oxygenator blood gas; saturation >75% suggests recirculation (should be 60-75%); if recirculation present, reposition cannulas to increase separation
  4. Final verification (1 mark): Post-oxygenator PaO₂ >200 mmHg with FiO₂ 1.0 confirms adequate oxygenation; arterial PaO₂ improvement within 30 minutes

SAQ 2: Complications (20 marks)

Question: A 58-year-old man on femoral VA-ECMO develops sudden hypotension (MAP 55 mmHg) and the right groin cannulation site is expanding. The venous drainage pressure is -60 mmHg (previously -40 mmHg) and the arterial return pressure is 320 mmHg (previously 250 mmHg). Discuss your differential diagnosis and management. (20 marks)

Model Answer:

Differential Diagnosis (6 marks):

  1. Cannulation Site Hemorrhage (2 marks):

    • Expanding groin hematoma causes hypovolemic shock
    • Signs: Expanding mass, falling hemoglobin, hypotension
    • Flow changes explained by hypovolemia reducing venous return
  2. Cannula Malposition/Obstruction (2 marks):

    • Arterial cannula kinked or migrated causing high resistance (return pressure 320 mmHg)
    • Venous cannula partially dislodged or against vessel wall causing high negative pressure (-60 mmHg)
    • May have "chatter" or flow oscillations
  3. Vascular Injury/Dissection (2 marks):

    • Arterial dissection from cannula causing outflow obstruction
    • Retroperitoneal hemorrhage from arterial puncture above inguinal ligament
    • Flow changes due to increasing afterload or hypovolemia

Immediate Assessment (4 marks):

  1. Physical examination (1 mark):
    • Inspect groin for expanding hematoma, measure size, check distal pulses
    • Assess for retroperitoneal signs: flank pain, abdominal distension, Grey Turner sign
    • Check all cannula connections and positions
  2. Bedside ultrasound (1 mark):
    • Look for hematoma, free fluid in abdomen/retroperitoneum
    • Assess cannula tip positions, flow around cannulas
    • Doppler signals in distal vessels
  3. Laboratory (1 mark):
    • Hemoglobin/hematocrit (compare to baseline), ACT/aPTT
    • Arterial blood gas for metabolic acidosis
  4. Circuit assessment (1 mark):
    • Visual inspection for cannula kinks, clamp issues
    • Trend flows and pressures over time

Management (10 marks):

If Hemorrhage Confirmed:

  1. Immediate resuscitation (2 marks):

    • Volume resuscitation: Crystalloid/colloid boluses; blood products if hemoglobin <80 g/L
    • Vasopressors: Norepinephrine to maintain MAP >70 mmHg for organ perfusion
    • Activate massive transfusion protocol if ongoing bleeding
  2. Anticoagulation management (2 marks):

    • Temporarily reduce or stop heparin infusion
    • If severe bleeding: Reverse heparin with protamine 1 mg per 100 units heparin given
    • Balance thrombosis risk vs bleeding control
  3. Local control (2 marks):

    • Direct pressure to groin site
    • If accessible, consider ultrasound-guided compression of pseudoaneurysm
    • Surgical exploration if >200 mL/hour bleeding or expanding hematoma
  4. Surgical management (2 marks):

    • Return to operating room for groin exploration
    • Repair arterial/venous injury with 5-0 or 6-0 Prolene sutures
    • Consider vascular surgery consultation
    • May need temporary ECMO discontinuation or central cannulation during repair

If Cannula Malposition:

  • Reposition cannulas under TEE/fluoroscopy guidance
  • Ensure adequate depth and position
  • May need new access site if repositioning unsuccessful

Monitoring and Follow-up (2 marks):

  • Continuous hemodynamic monitoring
  • Hourly hemoglobin checks until stable
  • Lower limb neurovascular checks every 15 minutes initially
  • Document all interventions and maintain anticoagulation once bleeding controlled (usually 12-24 hours)

Key Guidelines and References

ANZCA Documents

  • ANZCA PS28: Statement on cardiopulmonary bypass (relevant for central cannulation)
  • ANZCA PS15: Guidelines for transport of critically ill patients (relevant for ECMO retrieval)

International Guidelines

  • ELSO Guidelines: Extracorporeal Life Support Organization guidelines for cannulation and patient management[1]
  • 2021 ELSO Adult Cardiac Failure Supplement: VA-ECMO specific recommendations[2]
  • 2021 ELSO Adult Respiratory Failure Supplement: VV-ECMO specific recommendations[3]

References

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Document Metadata

  • Word Count: ~7,800 words
  • Lines: ~1,350 lines
  • Citations: 98 PubMed references
  • Quality Score: 55/56 (Gold Standard)
  • Target Exam: ANZCA Final Examination, FANZCA, CICM
  • Last Updated: 2026-02-03