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Updated: Mar 19, 2026

Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Peripheral Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Without Left Ventricular Venting
Published on: January 17, 2025
Percutaneous coronary intervention under temporary peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Jawad Chaara1, Mustafa Cikirikcioglu2, Marco Roffi1
1Cardiology Division, University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland.
Insights
A 68-year-old female with severe coronary artery disease and low ejection fraction underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention. This procedure was safely supported by peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
Background:
- Subacute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) presents a significant challenge, particularly with severely depressed left ventricular ejection fraction.
- Severe three-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) necessitates complex revascularization strategies.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old female patient presented with STEMI and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 15%.
- The patient was hemodynamically stable despite the critical cardiac condition.
Findings:
- Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was successfully performed.
- Peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) provided effective hemodynamic support during PCI.
- The combined approach was performed without complications.
Implications:
- This case highlights the feasibility and safety of VA-ECMO-assisted PCI in high-risk STEMI patients with severe CAD and LV dysfunction.
- Heart team collaboration is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies in complex cardiovascular cases.
- VA-ECMO can be a valuable tool for stabilizing patients undergoing complex interventions for acute myocardial infarction.
Abstract:
We describe the case of a 68-year old female presenting with subacute ST-elevation myocardial infarction and severe depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (15%) in the presence of severe three-vessel coronary artery disease. The patient was haemodynamically stable. After heart team discussion, a percutaneous coronary intervention was performed under peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation without complications.
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