title: Transseptal catheter decompression of the left ventricle during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
abstract: Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) can result in left-ventricular distension and the development of pulmonary edema. We present the case of a 13-year-old girl who presented with cardiogenic shock. VA-ECMO was initiated, but after 6 days, severe left-ventricular distension resulted in decreased VA-ECMO flows. With guidance by bedside transesophageal echocardiography, a percutaneous atrial transseptal cannula was placed and connected to the venous circuit, thus decompressing the left ventricle. The patient improved, was weaned from VA-ECMO 5 days later, and was discharged from the hospital. Bedside transseptal catheter insertion is an effective method of left-ventricular decompression.
authors: Department of Surgery, Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14582, USA.
authors: Michael F
authors: MF
authors: Swartz
authors: Frank
authors: F
authors: Smith
authors: Craig J
authors: CJ
authors: Byrum
authors: George M
authors: GM
authors: Alfieris
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D015199:Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation; D005260:Female; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D012770:Shock, Cardiogenic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000601:surgery*