title: Use of distal perfusion in peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
abstract: Extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving technique to manage refractory cardiopulmonary failure. Its usage and indication continue to increase. Femoral venoarterial ECMO (VA ECMO) is relatively less invasive and the cardiac support may be more rapidly instituted in in these extremely tenuous patients. Vascular injuries and limb ischemia unfortunately occur in these emergent access settings. Here we will discuss the optimal techniques of preventing this complication which might affect patient survival and impact the patient quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Division of cardiothoracic surgery, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Makdisi
authors.affiliation: Palliative care division, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Berkshire Medical Center, Pittsfield, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Tony
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Makdisi
authors.affiliation: Indiana University School of Medicine, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Indiana University Health, Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
authors.forename: I-Wen
authors.initials: IW
authors.lastname: Wang
keywords: Extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO); distal perfusion; leg ischemia