Patency of internal jugular vein following repair after ECMO stabilization prior to Berlin Heart implantation: utility of repaired vein for subsequent cardiac catheterization and biopsy.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to examine the patency and utility for subsequent vascular access of the internal jugular vein following use in short-term extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.


METHODS
Retrospective review.


METHODS
Pediatric cardiac intensive care unit, pediatric cardiac catheterization laboratory, and pediatric cardiac clinic.


METHODS
Four children, ages 7-178 months, requiring mechanical circulatory support. Interventions. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, internal jugular vein repair, Berlin Heart mechanical circulatory support, heart transplantation, cardiac catheterization.


METHODS
Following surgical repair, the internal jugular vein was studied with bedside ultrasound for assessment of patency. When appropriate, subsequent vascular access of the vessel was attempted and the success was reported.


RESULTS
Follow-up ultrasound examination demonstrated vessel patency in all cases. In patients requiring subsequent catheterization (3/4), successful vessel entry and catheterization were performed.


CONCLUSIONS
Repair of the internal jugular vein following use for short-term extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support can be accomplished with success. The vessel can be used for subsequent vascular access when necessary.
Pearce
Frank Bennett
FB
Division of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Alabama, School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA. pearce@uab.edu
Kirklin
James K
JK
Knott-Craig
Christopher J
CJ
Holman
William L
WL
Barnhart
Douglas H
DH
McMahon
William S
WS
Hayes
Leslie W
LW
Borasino
Santiago
S
D000293:Adolescent; D001706:Biopsy; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015199:Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014654:Vascular Patency; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures