Bicaval Dual-lumen Cannula Research Articles

Dual-Lumen Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Cannulation Technique Using Only Transthoracic Echocardiography - A Case Series.

Bicaval dual lumen cannula (DLC) is gaining popularity in veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) for having less recirculation and facilitating mobilization. It is usually inserted under fluoroscopic or transesophageal echocardiographic guidance to prevent potentially fatal complications. Thus, their utilization was limited during the COVID-19 outbreak due to stringent quarantine policy and manpower shortage, especially when emergency insertion was required. To describe our experience on DLC insertion using transthoracic echocardiography alone during the pandemic, with a focus on safety considerations by using detail step-by-step procedural guide. Four patients were performed V-V ECMO using the transthoracic echocardiographic-guided DLC cannulation technique during the fifth wave of the COVID-19 outbreak, with no cannulation-related complications. Transthoracic echocardiographic guidance for DLC insertion is feasible and probably safe with a detailed guide, which can be adopted as a supplementary tool during future endemic outbreaks.

Mechanisms of limitation of oxygen delivery during veno-venous extracorporal membrane oxygenation.

Delivery of oxygen to the mitochondrium is a process involving multiple steps. We here present the integration of the mechanisms of oxygen delivery (DO2) during veno-venous (V-V) extracorporal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) into a holistic physiological model. The final steps of oxygen transport in this model are the convective transport of oxygen bound to hemoglobin in the arterial blood and the diffusion to the mitochondrium from the microcirculation. Limitation of DO2 may occur on both steps. In cases of severe respiratory failure without lung function, ECMO may provide the entire oxygen supply for the patients. If the cardiac output (CO) is significantly higher than the maximal ECMO flow, the addition of deoxygenated venous blood will lead to a low arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2). In this situation the convective transport of oxygen is mostly limited by the maximal ECMO flow. If a bi-caval dual lumen cannula is used, the recirculation may be very low. Lowering the CO in this situation will increase the arterial SaO2. An increased arterial SaO2 may increase the oxygen transport to the mitochondrium by diffusion. The hypothesis derived from this model is that lowering the CO during V-V ECMO support in the situation described above might increase DO2 to the tissues by improving oxygen diffusion.

Percutaneous, ultrasound-guided single- and multisite cannulation for veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in neonates.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a widely used technique to support neonates with severe respiratory failure. Data on percutaneous, ultrasound-guided veno-venous (VV) ECMO cannulation in neonates is still scarce. Aim of this study was to describe our institutional experience with ultrasound-guided percutaneous, VV ECMO cannulation in neonates with severe respiratory failure. Neonates receiving ECMO support at our department between January 2017 and January 2021 were retrospectively identified. Patients receiving VV ECMO cannulation performed by the percutaneous Seldinger technique by single- or multisite cannulation were analyzed. A total of 54 neonates received ECMO cannulation performed by the percutaneous Seldinger technique. In 39 patients (72%) a 13 French bicaval dual-lumen cannula was inserted and in 15 patients (28%) two single-lumen cannulae were used. Cannulae positioning using the multisite approach was in all cases as desired. The tip of the 13 French cannula was located in the IVC in 35/39 patients, in four patients position was too proximal but did not dislocate during the ECMO run. One (2%) preterm neonate (weight 1.75 kg) developed a cardiac tamponade which was successfully managed with drainage. Median duration of ECMO was 7 days (interquartile range: 5-16 days). Forty-four patients (82%) were successfully weaned from ECMO and in 31/44 (71%) the ECMO cannulae were removed with a delay of 0.9-7.2 days (median 2.8 days) after weaning without noticing complications. A correct cannula placement using the ultrasound-guided percutaneous Seldinger technique, for both single- and multisite cannulation, seems feasible in most neonatal patients receiving VV ECMO.

Surviving White-out: How to Manage Severe Noninfectious Acute Lung Allograft Dysfunction of Unknown Etiology.

Surviving White-out: How to Manage Severe Noninfectious Acute Lung Allograft Dysfunction of Unknown Etiology.

Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO): Guidelines for Neonatal Respiratory Failure.

Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO): Guidelines for Neonatal Respiratory Failure.

Overview of the bicaval dual lumen cannula.

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is a form of extracorporeal life support that provides total gas exchange (CO2 and O2) within the central venous circulation. The bicaval dual lumen cannula (DLC)is an option for patients requiring respiratory support with VV-ECMO. The catheter is inserted via the internal jugular vein into the superior and inferior vena cava, drains blood into the ECMO circuit for gas exchange, and then returns arterialized blood to the right heart for circulation. The DLC facilitates physical therapy, ambulation, and early extubation. This chapter will review the uses, advantages, and unique complications of the DLC.

Transesophageal Echocardiography Compared to Fluoroscopy for Avalon Bicaval Dual-Lumen Cannula Positioning for Venovenous ECMO

The Avalon elite bicaval dual-lumen cannula for single site VenoVenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VV ECMO) offers several advantages. Correct placement of the Avalon cannula is safe using image guidance and needs either fluoroscopy or Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). We assessed our institutional ECMO performance, cannulation related complications, instances of cannula malposition among patients cannulated using the two imaging modalities. We reviewed all patients who had Avalon cannula placement for VV ECMO at our institute. Ten patients were included in the study. Patients were cannulated using either fluoroscopy (Group A, n = 5) or TEE (Group B, n = 5). Data included patient demographics, diagnosis, evidence of cannula malposition, ECMO performance, cannulation related complications. The primary outcomes ease of cannulation; cannula malposition and the need for repositioning were compared between the two groups. Visualisation of guidewire, Avalon cannula and the average number of attempts to cannulate were similar (P > 0.05) between the two groups. Four patients cannulated using fluoroscopy had low flows whereas none of the patients cannulated using TEE had flow problems which was statistically significant (P = 0.024). Four cannulas (80%) placed under fluoroscopy required repositioning whereas one cannula (20%) placed under TEE needed repositioning. This difference was not statistically significant though (P = 0.099). TEE is the ideal imaging modality to guide Avalon elite cannula placement for VV ECMO.

A Dual-Lumen Bicaval Cannula for Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Single-site, dual-lumen venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation ECMO) facilitates mobilization, reduces recirculation, and mitigates insertion and infectious risks of an additional access site. This study reports the experience with a bicaval dual-lumen cannula that comprises a robust physical design allowing for easy and safe cannulation, precise positioning and monitoring, and appropriate physiologic support for patients with acute respiratory failure. Statistical analysis was performed from data gathered retrospectively from the electronic medical records of 20 adult patients who were cannulated for ECMO with this bicaval dual-lumen cannula from August 2018 through May2019. Gas exchange and blood flow were optimized in all patients after cannulation (median pH, 7.42 [interquartile range {IQR}, 7.39, 7.44], ratio of arterial partial pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen, 186.5 [Pao2:Fio2, 116.5, 247.0]; pump flow, 3.9 L/min [IQR, 3.1, 4.3]). Eleven patients (55%) were able to be freed from mechanical ventilation after cannulation, 9 (45%) patients underwent a tracheostomy procedure while undergoing ECMO, and no patients required reintubation. No morbidity or mortality was related to the cannulation strategy or the catheter. Two patients required cannula repositioning. Survival to decannulation was 90%, and survival to hospital discharge was 80%. The bicaval dual-lumen cannula maintains the advantages of upper body single-site configuration to provide the adjunctive respiratory support necessary to facilitate awakening and rehabilitation while minimizing the use of invasive mechanical ventilation. This cannula introduces design qualities that may offer advantages for acute respiratory failure requiring venovenous ECMO.

Reposition of a Bi-caval Dual Lumen ECMO cannula using a trans-femoral lasso

Abstract Veno-venous double lumen Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VVDL-ECMO) in neonates and infants for viral pneumonia is a well-established therapy. However even after initial correct positioning of the VVDL-ECMO cannula, there is a risk of unexpected malpositioning of this cannula during the ECMO run. We report a case of reposition of a 16-French Avalon Elite Bi-caval Dual Lumen cannula from its malposition in the right atrium to its correct position in the inferior venous cava. The procedure was achieved by interventional catheter techniques using a goose neck snare and was done without ECMO-flow interruption.

Optimal Methods to Secure Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Bicaval Dual-Lumen Cannulae: What Works?

Ambulation while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is critical to facilitate native pulmonary recovery for patients with acute respiratory failure and is a prerequisite for listing for lung transplantation to achieve optimal outcomes. The development of a bicaval dual-lumen cannula capable of providing venovenous (VV) ECMO support via the internal jugular vein has greatly facilitated ambulation and rehabilitation programs. But cannula dislodgement is a serious concern with ambulation and rehabilitation, especially when minor cannula migration can significantly impact VV-ECMO flow. We review an optimal technique to secure dual-lumen cannula to facilitate early mobility, ambulation, and rehabilitation and prevent ECMO cannula dislodgement.

Impact of cannula size and line length on venous line pressure in pediatric VA-/VV-ECLS circuits.

The objective of this study was to do an in vitro evaluation of venous line pressure using different venous line lengths and venous cannula sizes in pediatric venoarterial extracorporeal life support (VA-ECLS) and venovenous ECLS (VV-ECLS) circuits. The pediatric VA-ECLS circuit consisted of a Xenios i-cor diagonal pump, a Maquet Quadrox-i pediatric oxygenator, a Medtronic Biomedicus arterial cannula, a Biomedicus venous cannula, and 1/4″ ID arterial and venous tubing. The pediatric VV-ECLS circuit was similar, except it included a Maquet Avalon ELITE bi-caval dual lumen cannula. Circuits were primed with lactated Ringer's solution and packed red blood cells (hematocrit 40%). Trials were conducted at various flow rates (VA-ECLS: 250-1250mL/min, VV-ECLS: 250-2000mL/min) using different venous tubing lengths (2, 4, and 6 feet) and cannula sizes (VA-ECLS: A8Fr/V10Fr, A10Fr/V12Fr and A12Fr/V14Fr, VV-ECLS: 13Fr, 16Fr, 19Fr, 20Fr and 23Fr) at 36°C. Real-time pressure and flow data were recorded for analysis. The use of a small-caliber venous cannula significantly increased the venous line pressure in the 2 pediatric circuits (P<0.01). Shorter venous tubing lengths significantly reduced the venous line pressure at high flow rates (P<0.01). The VV-ECLS circuit had larger negative pre-pump pressure drops (7.2 to -102.2mmHg) when compared to the VA-ECLS circuit (0.7 to -60.7mmHg). Selecting an appropriate venous cannula and a shorter venous tubing when feasible may significantly reduce the pressure drop of the venous line in pediatric VA-ECLS and VV-ECLS circuits and improve venous drainage.

Bicaval dual lumen cannula in adult veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-clinical pearls for safe cannulation.

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) has been traditionally delivered with two independent cannulae at different venous insertion sites. The bicaval dual lumen cannula has gained popularity as a cannula for simultaneous venous drainage and reinfusion of blood via the internal jugular vein (IJV). Its insertion requires special attention to details to prevent the occurrence of serious complications. In this review, we discuss different techniques of cannula insertion and tips for troubleshooting.

(907) - Safety of Trans Esophageal Echocardiogram Guided Percutaneous Insertion of Bi-Caval Dual Lumen Cannula (AVALON ELITE®) for Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

This study investigated the safety and efficacy of trans esophageal echocardiogram (TEE) guidance for the percutaneous insertion of a bi-caval dual lumen cannula (DLC) into the right internal jugular vein for veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO). VV ECMO is being utilized more frequently as a rescue therapy for patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The use of a bi-caval DLC via the right internal jugular vein provides access to the central venous system and right atrium for adequate blood flow to and from the VV ECMO circuit. Safe and timely intervention is important in the initiation of this therapy. We did a retrospective chart review of the patients who received VV ECMO therapy in our institution via right internal jugular bi-caval DLC for ARDS from 2010 through 2014. For this study, we included only those patients who were cannulated in our institution using trans esophageal echocardiogram (TEE) guidance for the percutaneous insertion of a bi-caval DLC. From 2010 through 2014 we managed 60 patients who received VV ECMO therapy via right internal jugular bi-caval DLC for ARDS with a survival rate of over 60%. 49 patients were cannulated in our intensive care unit using TEE guidance during the percutaneous process. The survival rate in those 49 patients was 59%. We found four major complications during the TEE guided cannulation process including perforation of the right atrium (1 patient, 2%), life threatening arrhythmias (1 patient requiring defibrillation and chest compressions, 2%), subsequent malposition shortly after cannulation requiring repositioning under fluoroscopy (2 patients, 4%), and inability to maneuver catheter into the inferior vena cava (1 patient, 2%). With appropriate technique and teamwork between the ECMO specialist placing the bi-caval DLC and the echocardiologist, TEE guided percutaneous insertion of bi-caval DLC for the purpose of VV ECMO rescue therapy in severe ARDS is a safe method of cannulation. It provides clinicians a quick and effective method for initiation of therapy with the additional benefit of final evaluation of cardiac function via TEE for veno-venous support versus veno-arterial support in the setting of severely hypoxemic patients.

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

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.

Surgical extraction after thrombosis around the Avalon dual lumen cannula

The use of a dual lumen cannula (DLC) for venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has several advantages and reports of complications are rare. We present a case of thrombosis around and inside the Avalon Elite™ bicaval DLC (Avalon Laboratories, Rancho Dominguez, CA, US), for which simple removal by retraction was impossible.A 30-year-old man had experienced an unstable C6/7 fracture with spinal contusion and haematoma in the spinal canal with incomplete neurological paraplegia and thoracic trauma. He developed acute respiratory failure due to posttraumatic systemic inflammatory response syndrome and venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support was indicated. The cannulation was performed with an Avalon Elite™ cannula (31Fr) in the right jugular vein under fluoroscopy. After 18 days of ECMO therapy, despite the continuous administration of heparin (400iu/h), ECMO was discontinued because of the formation of a massive thrombus in the oxygenator. At that time, the patient’s haemodynamic and respiratory parameters were stable, and we were able to induce a rapid weaning from ECMO. The surgical removal of the cannula became necessary and was performed using a small neck incision without complications.We report this case to emphasise that any resistance encountered during an attempt to extract the Avalon Elite™ cannula may cause serious complications. In such cases, surgical removal must be considered.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for refractory acute respiratory distress syndrome in severe malaria

BackgroundSevere malaria may be complicated by the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is associated with a high mortality. In the present report, a series of three cases of imported malaria complicated by refractory severe ARDS supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is presented.MethodsOne female and two male adult patients (ages 39 to 53) were included. Two patients had Plasmodium falciparum infection and one patient had Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale co-infection. Anti-malarial therapy consisted in intravenous quinine (in two patients) and intravenous quinidine (in one patient), plus clindamycin or doxycycline.ResultsDespite lung protective ventilation, a conservative strategy of fluid management, corticosteroids (two patients), prone position (two patients) and inhaled nitric oxide (one patient), refractory severe ARDS supervened (PaO2 to FiO2 ratio 68) and venovenous ECMO was then initiated. In one patient, a bicaval dual-lumen cannula was inserted; in the two other patients, a two-site configuration was used. Two patients survived to hospital-discharge (duration of ECMO support: 8.5 days) and one patient died from nosocomial sepsis and multi-organ failure after 40 days of ECMO support.ConclusionsECMO support allowed adequate oxygenation and correction of hypercapnia under lung protective ventilation, therefore reducing ventilator-induced lung injury. ECMO referral should be considered early in malaria complicated by severe ARDS refractory to conventional treatment.

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with a bicaval dual-lumen catheter in a SynCardia total artificial heart patient

We report the case of a 55 years old caucasian male patient with cardiogenic shock due to an extended myocardial infarction who underwent SynCardia Total Artificial Heart implantation and veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with a bicaval dual-lumen cannula for the treatment of adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Optimal Endovascular Methods for Placement of Bicaval Dual-Lumen Cannulae for Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Early mobility is associated with improved outcomes in critically ill patients with acute respiratory failure. The Avalon Elite Bicaval Dual-Lumen cannula provides support for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation through a single cannula in the internal jugular position in the neck, avoiding femoral cannulation. This allows the patient to participate in early mobility and strength exercises, facilitating early reconditioning. Placement of the Avalon bicaval cannula poses a potential risk of intracardiac placement and right ventricular rupture as a result of the flexibility of the guidewire. We present our endovascular technique for Avalon bicaval cannula placement with fluoroscopic guidance to prevent inadvertent intracardiac placement.

Optimized safety and function of the bicaval dual-lumen cannula by refined positioning and bedside management

Optimized safety and function of the bicaval dual-lumen cannula by refined positioning and bedside management

Subclavian Insertion of the Bicaval Dual Lumen Cannula for Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has demonstrated utility in the management of adult respiratory failure refractory to mechanical ventilation. The recent introduction of a bicaval dual-lumen ECMO cannula has improved the efficiency of venovenous ECMO and has enabled the concept of full extracorporeal respiratory support in place of mechanical ventilation. Standard placement of this cannula through the right internal jugular vein is particularly troublesome in individuals of short stature, because of excess cannula length. We describe a method for cannula placement through the left subclavian vein that is well suited for smaller patients and convenient for patient mobility.