Percutaneous cannulation for pediatric venovenous extracorporeal life support.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to show the safety and efficacy of a method of percutaneous cannulation for venovenous extracorporeal life support (ECLS) access in nonneonatal (>10 kg) pediatric patients.


METHODS
Between June 1992 and October 1998, 26 pediatric patients (age range, 3 to 17 years; weight range, 19 to 100 kg) underwent attempted percutaneous cannulation for venovenous ECLS at our institution. Venous drainage access was attempted using a modified Seldinger technique via the right internal jugular vein (RIJ, n = 22) or right femoral vein (RFV, n = 4). Reinfusion access was attempted via the RFV (n = 19), RIJ (n = 4), or left femoral vein (n = 3).


RESULTS
The percutaneous technique was successful in 24 of 26 patients (92.3%). Maximum blood flow during ECLS was 80.1 +/- 30.0 mL/kg/min, generating a postmembrane lung outlet pressure of 138 +/- 54.8 mm Hg. Adequate gas exchange was achieved in all patients, and survival to discharge was 79.2%. There was no procedure-related mortality. Complications potentially related to the percutaneous technique included RIJ thrombosis (n = 1) detected after decannulation and cannula site bleeding (n = 3).


CONCLUSIONS
Percutaneous access may be used safely and effectively for venovenous ECLS in pediatric patients.
Foley
D S
DS
Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor 48109-0245, USA.
Swaniker
F
F
Pranikoff
T
T
Bartlett
R H
RH
Hirschl
R B
RB
D000293:Adolescent; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000379:methods*; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005112:Extracorporeal Circulation / Q000379:methods*; D005268:Femoral Vein; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins