Use of a 12 French double-lumen catheter in a newborn supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

We present the first report of clinical experience with a 12 French double-lumen cannula in a newborn supported with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. This cannula was used because the internal jugular vein could not accommodate a 14F double-lumen catheter. This newborn was on bypass for 94 h, and the highest plasma free hemoglobin noted at the end of that period was 56 mg/dl. The infant was successfully weaned from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and discharged home at 35 days of age. We suggest that this 12F catheter may be beneficial and deserves further evaluation.