Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (Venovenous) Cannulation

Abstract

This chapter describes the surgical procedure for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (venovenous) cannulation as performed by the following approaches: open and percutaneous. The text includes an introduction that outlines the indications, risks, alternatives, essential steps, needed equipment, and variations in technique for the procedure in question. This is followed by a template operative dictation, which provides the reader with an operative report, such as is found in a patient chart or electronic medical record. A description is provided of the following critical concepts for this procedure: choice of cannulas, positioning, exposure and control of vessels or percutaneous access of vessel, cannulation, and connection to circuit.