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Updated: Mar 28, 2026

Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Peripheral Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Without Left Ventricular Venting
Published on: January 17, 2025
Left ventricular thrombus associated with arteriovenous extra corporeal membrane oxygenation
George Makdisi1, Zubair A Hashmi1, Thomas C Wozniak1
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Indiana University Health and School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Left ventricular thrombus formation is a risk during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for cardiogenic shock. Ensuring adequate left ventricular drainage is crucial to prevent complications like clot formation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is vital for severe cardiogenic shock in adults and pediatrics.
- Left ventricular contractility is often impaired at ECMO initiation.
- Left ventricular distension can lead to adverse outcomes if not managed.
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Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
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