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The Role of Echocardiography in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

  • Echocardiography (JM Gardin and AH Waller, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly used to temporarily support patients in severe circulatory and/or respiratory failure. Echocardiography is a core component of successful ECMO deployment. Herein, we review the role of echocardiography at different phases on extracorporeal support including candidate identification, cannulation, maintenance, complication vigilance, and decannulation.

Recent Findings

During cannulation, ultrasound is used to confirm intended vascular access and appropriate inflow cannula positioning. While on ECMO, echocardiographic evaluation of ventricular loading conditions and hemodynamics, cannula positioning, and surveillance for intracardiac or aortic thrombi is needed for complication mitigation.

Summary

Echocardiography is crucial during all phases of ECMO use. Specific echocardiographic queries depend on the ECMO type, V-V, or V-A, and the specific cannula configuration strategy employed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Critical Care, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA

    Maxwell A. Hockstein, Narayana Sarma Singam, Alexander I. Papolos & Benjamin B. Kenigsberg

  2. Department of Emergency Medicine, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA

    Maxwell A. Hockstein

  3. Division of Cardiology, MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving St., NW, Room A121, Washington, DC, 20010, USA

    Narayana Sarma Singam, Alexander I. Papolos & Benjamin B. Kenigsberg

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  1. Maxwell A. Hockstein
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Correspondence to Benjamin B. Kenigsberg.

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Hockstein, M.A., Singam, N.S., Papolos, A.I. et al. The Role of Echocardiography in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. Curr Cardiol Rep 25, 9–16 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-022-01827-w

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