ECMO cannulation

Full Definition

ECMO cannulation involves the surgical placement of large-bore cannulas to establish extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in critically ill pediatric cardiac patients. Cannulation strategies include peripheral (neck vessels), central (direct atrial or aortic), or hybrid approaches depending on patient size, anatomy, and indication. In pediatric cardiac surgery, ECMO may be used for failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass, post-operative low cardiac output, or respiratory failure.

Usage

Usage note: Specify cannulation strategy (peripheral vs central) when editing surgical reports.

In Context

• "Emergency ECMO cannulation was performed for post-operative cardiac arrest." — critical care progress note
• "The patient required central ECMO cannulation due to small vessel size." — operative summary