Simple Technique of Distal Leg Perfusion During Heart Transplant in Patients With Preoperative Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support

Authors

Suguru Ohira, Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, New York Medical College, 8138Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA.
Stephen Pan, Department of Cardiology, New York Medical College, 8138Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA.
Avi Levine, Department of Cardiology, New York Medical College, 8138Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA.
Chhaya Aggarwal-Gupta, Department of Cardiology, New York Medical College, 8138Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA.Follow
Gregg M. Lanier, Department of Cardiology, New York Medical College, 8138Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA.
Alan L. Gass, Department of Cardiology, New York Medical College, 8138Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA.
David Spielvogel, Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, New York Medical College, 8138Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA.
Masashi Kai, Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, New York Medical College, 8138Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA.

Author Type(s)

Faculty

Journal Title

Perfusion

First Page

473

Last Page

476

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1-2023

Department

Surgery

Second Department

Medicine

Abstract

Direct heart transplant from veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support is challenging. Continuation of postoperative VA-ECMO support may be required in the setting of primary graft dysfunction or severe vasoplegia. We describe a simple technique to perfuse the ipsilateral leg of an arterial ECMO cannula during heart transplant while the ECMO circuit is turned off but maintaining the arterial cannula and distal perfusion catheter in place. This technique minimizes the number of intraoperative procedures with a minimal risk of leg ischemia, and provides a smooth transition to postoperative VA-ECMO support if necessary.

Recommended Citation

Ohira, S., Pan, S., Levine, A., Aggarwal-Gupta, C., Lanier, G. M., Gass, A. L., Spielvogel, D., & Kai, M. (2023). Simple Technique of Distal Leg Perfusion During Heart Transplant in Patients With Preoperative Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support. Perfusion, 38 (3), 473-476. https://doi.org/10.1177/02676591211064721