Introduction
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be used to support
patients with end-stage heart and lung failure. Depending on the
circuit, it includes a centrifugal pump, heat exchanger and oxygenator.
The first adult ECMO case was reported in 1972.12 The
use of Veno-venous ECMO (VV-ECMO) for a bridge to lung transplant has
been increasing in the last decade.8 Risks associated
with cannulation include bleeding, infection, and
clotting.13 The goal of this review is to outline the
outcome of ECMO application in a single patient, using the Protek Duo
RD™ cannula without administrating IV Heparin to maintain
anticoagulation management (heparin drip titrated to an activated
partial thromboplastin time of 50 seconds).9
The Protek Duo RD™ is a dual lumen cannula which does not have a Carmeda
AB coating. It includes two lumens. The inside lumen is connected to the
tip of the cannula, which suctions the deoxygenated blood. The outside
lumen brings the oxygenated blood to the right atrium.