Abstract
The number of cases of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) using the Avalon double-lumen catheter (Avalon-DLC) has been increasing. The catheter has many merits, such as less bleeding and reduced risk of infection. However, the diameters of the drainage and return lumens of the Avalon-DLC are smaller than those of cannulae for dual cannulation. Therefore, sufficient bypass flow may not be achieved, and blood oxygenation may be insufficient. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether VV ECMO using an Avalon-DLC can provide sufficient gas exchange performances.
An Avalon-DLC was inserted into eight adult goats (body weight 60.2±0.4 kg), and VV ECMO was performed. The arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2), and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) were measured under only ECMO support without native respiration.
When the bypass flow rates were higher than 2L/min, the SaO2 was maintained at greater than 80%, and the PaCO2 was approximately within the normal range. At 20 minutes after the support, PaO2 was 23.7±1.2, 46.3±3.2, 91.9±9.7, and 159.6±29.8mmHg at 1, 2, 3, and 4L/min, respectively.
VV ECMO using the Avalon-DLC could obtain sufficient gas exchange.
