Two cases of complications associated with arterial cannula of Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (V-A ECMO) in elderly patients.

Abstract

Quick and prompt cannulation is required for Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (V-A ECMO), especially ECPR cases. Because of increase number of elderly patients with arteriosclerosis, it is not uncommon to encounter complications associated with cannulation. We report two elderly cases that direct contact of the cannula tip to arterial wall at right angle due to strong arterial meandering caused complications as severe hemolysis and aortic dissection. In elderly patients, it is necessary to place cannula in the right position considering arteriosclerosis and meandering of artery.