A case of avalon cannula malposition and successful conversion to V-A ECMO in a neonate

Abstract

The Avalon Elite Bi-caval Dual Lumen cannula was designed for placement in the right internal jugular vein for veno-venous double lumen extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VVDL ECMO). Despite the use of echocardiography, it is often difficult to correctly position the VVDL cannula in neonates due to patient size and anatomy. Cannula malposition may contribute to inadequate hemodynamic support necessitating conversion to veno-arterial (V-A) support. We report a case of successful conversion from VVDL ECMO to V-A ECMO using the 13-French Avalon cannula in a neonate. This case demonstrates that the 13 French-Avalon Elite Bi-caval Dual Lumen Cannula can be safely used as a venous cannula in neonates requiring conversion to V-A ECMO.