Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) cannula malposition identified with point-of-care ultrasound

Abstract

BackgroundPoint-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become a mainstay in the evaluation of critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). ECMO patients are susceptible to complications during prolonged ICU stay, including cannula malposition, which has deleterious consequences. Although the literature surrounding utility of ultrasound on ECMO patients is expansive, direct comparison between radiographic imaging versus ultrasound for identification of cannula malposition is lacking.Case presentationThe authors identified four patients with cannula malposition discovered through POCUS that was missed on routine radiographic imaging. Identification and correction of malposition changed their ECMO course.ConclusionThis case series is the first in literature demonstrating that ultrasound may be superior to radiographic images for ECMO cannula malposition. Further investigation into this subject is warranted.