Inferior Vena Cava Filter Placement Through a Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Circuit

We present a technique for performing endovascular procedures by obtaining vascular access directly through a venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) circuit. This technique is demonstrated in a lung transplant recipient, supported on VV ECMO, whose course was complicated by an extensive right femoral vein and inferior vena cava deep venous thrombosis. The patient was successfully managed by the placement of an inferior vena cava filter using the VV ECMO circuit as a point of access to the circulatory system before cessation of VV ECMO support and decannulation. (C) 2022 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Automated summary

This article presents a technique for performing endovascular procedures by accessing the circulatory system through a venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit. The technique was demonstrated in a lung transplant recipient who had deep venous thrombosis, and the patient was successfully managed using the circuit as a point of access before discontinuing ECMO support.