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

Abstract

Background: 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.

Purpose: 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.

Outcome: 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.

Conclusion: 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.