A Novel Approach to a Complex Problem

Abstract

We congratulate Patel and colleagues1 on their case report in this issue of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, which details a novel approach of central extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support via a minimally invasive approach as a bridge to heart-lung transplantation. Prior to being evaluated as a candidate for heart-lung transplantation, their patient had been urgently placed on peripheral venoarterial (VA) ECMO. To improve flow, minimize pulmonary congestion, and facilitate prehab, the authors converted the patient to central VA ECMO with pulmonary artery (PA) drainage via a minimally invasive (upper partial sternotomy) approach.