Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use in open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Coagulopathy and hypothermia during thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair using cardiopulmonary bypass can contribute significantly to the morbidity of the operation. We used a novel method of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for distal perfusion in open TAAA repair in four patients at a quaternary academic hospital. This technique was successful in selected patients and may have the advantages of lower activated clotting times and less air-blood surface contact. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for distal aortic perfusion is technically feasible during open TAAA, and further prospective comparison with cardiopulmonary bypass is warranted.