Femoral artery variation was found during V-A ECMO catheterization

High bifurcation of the deep femoral artery (DFA) is rare in clinical practice, and patients with this variation are less likely to receive venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) treatment. Therefore, the method by which V-A ECMO is introduced in patients with vascular variation is very important.

A 52-year-old male patient had ST elevation myocardial infarction due to coronary heart disease. Angiography showed tripartite coronary artery lesions, and coronary artery stenting supported by V-A ECMO was needed. Vascular evaluation before ECMO catheterization revealed high bifurcation of the bilateral DFA located at the inguinal ligament. After discussion, the perfusion cannula was placed in the left superficial femoral artery (SFA) towards the heart, and the distal perfusion catheter (DPC) was placed in the left SFA towards the distal end. Nevertheless, after the patient's heart recovered, necrosis of the toe of the left lower limb still occurred.

Common femoral artery assessment must be performed before V-A ECMO for patients with high bifurcation of the DFA. Incision catheterization and DPC placement are recommended. After decannulation, arterial repair under direct visualisation is recommended, and rigorous distal vascular assessment and management are needed.