Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation catheterization in critically ill children

Objective To summarize the technical experience of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO)catheterization in children. Methods Data of patients that received ECMO treatment in the pediatric intensive care unit between October 2016 and October 2018 were analyzed retrospectively.The age, weight, diagnosis, complications and the final outcomes of the patients, as well as the working mode, catheterization mode and duration of ECMO were collected. Results A total of 15 children were treated with ECMO, including 5 males and 10 females.The median age(range) was 4.9 (1.0-11.0)years and the median weight(range) was 21.5(8.5-49.0)kg.There were 5 cases of fulminant myocarditis, 7 cases of severe pneumonia, 3 cases of septic shock, 8 cases of venous-arterial bypass(VA mode), and 7 cases of venous-venous bypass(VV mode). All the 15 patients underwent percutaneous catheterization.Two patients that experienced difficulty in percutaneous catheterization turned to open catheterization.None abandoned ECMO due to the difficulty in catheterization.The position and depth of the catheter, and the flow rate required no further adjustment.The mean ECMO duration was 96.8(1-366)h.Weaning was successful in 8 cases(53%). One case was transferred and 8 cases were dismissed, and the survival rate was 60%.There were 2 cases of bleeding at the site of catheter entrance, one treated with local compression and the other with suture.There was 1 case of femoral artery thrombosis that was relieved by percutaneous femoral artery angiography and intracavitary formation.Another case developed carotid artery thrombosis and had been undergoing antithrombotic therapy and following-up.One case had nerve injury in the left lower extremity that was relieved by oral vitamin Bs and low frequency electrical stimulation. Conclusion Catheterization is the basis of ECMO execution.Catheterization method should be individualized.Percutaneous catheterization is the choice of thumb due to its safety and simplicity.In case of failure, or during the extra-cardiac compression, the surgical method should be taken quickly, and the catheter should be placed in an open or partly-open manner.Proficient catheterization technique ensures the smooth application of ECMO in children. Key words: Cannulation technique; Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; Children