title: Malposition of Double Lumen Bicaval Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VV ECMO) cannula resulting in hepatic venous congestion.
abstract: Introduction: Optimal positioning of double lumen bicaval canula for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support used as a rescue measure in refractory hypoxaemia is essential to facilitate adequate oxygenation, prevent recirculation and avoid complications.Method: Echocardiography via transoesophageal or transthoracic windows can be used as guidance and as a surveillance technique to prevent cannula malposition. We describe a case of Double-Lumen Bicaval VV ECMO cannula malposition leading to a massive retrograde hepatic venous flow.Conclusion: Rapid echocardiographic diagnosis was pivotal in preventing potentially fatal complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Intensive Care Medicine St George Hospital Kogarah New South Wales Australia.
authors.forename: Konstantin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yastrebov
authors.affiliation: Department of Intensive Care Medicine St George Hospital Kogarah New South Wales Australia.
authors.forename: Tejo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kapalli
keywords: hepatic congestion; transthoracic echocardiography (TTE); venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation