[Basic technique for the management of percutaneous cardiopulmonary support]

Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) is one of the most important therapeutic options for emergency patients with severe heart and lung failure. Prompt establishment of the precise support enables us to improve the clinical results in those patients. The key points for the introduction of PCPS are quick and accurate techniques of the cannulation including the exact cannula selection and the decision of the cannulation sites based on the patients' conditions, ultrasonography and/or computed tomography. The use of the C-arm system and/or transesophageal echocardiography can play an important role in the insertion of the cannulae and the confirmation of the position of the cannula tips. In addition, the accurate management for possible complications during the PCPS can provide us with the stable support. Here, the techniques for the PCPS management are described.