A Dual-Lumen Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Cannulation Technique Using a Mobile X-Ray Device

Dual-lumen extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cannulation is considered technically challenging and harbors the risk of potential life-threatening complications during cannulation. Dual-lumen cannula insertion is performed under either ultrasound or fluoroscopy guidance. Both techniques have significant disadvantages, such as examiner dependence or the necessity for transportation of the patient from the intensive care unit to the operating room.

Digital, mobile x-ray devices provide a novel, examiner-independent imaging modality for bedside dual-lumen ECMO cannulation.

From November 2019 to November 2021, 23 dual-lumen cannulations were performed in 20 patients at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna. Twelve of 23 (52.2%) were inserted in the intensive care unit using a mobile x-ray device. The remaining patients (47.8%) were cannulated in the operating room with conventional fluoroscopy guidance. In none of the procedures did cardiovascular injuries occur. Insertion site bleeding was the most common ECMO-related complication (n = 2).

Dual-lumen cannulation using sequential x-rays can be performed safely. Especially for infectious patients or patients who require an awake ECMO, this technique overcomes disadvantages of established imaging modalities.