Bedside cannulation for veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation using portable X-ray system in a coronavirus disease patient

Abstract

Transportation of patients with coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 outside isolation rooms should be avoided to prevent further spread of the disease. Here, we report a safe and accurate bedside cannulation method for veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) in a COVID-19 patient in the intensive care unit. A 71-year-old man was admitted to our hospital and diagnosed as having COVID-19 pneumonia. We decided to initiate VV-ECMO therapy because maintaining blood oxygen saturation was difficult despite the mechanical ventilation. We placed two flat-panel detectors behind the patient's chest and the right inguinal area. We repeatedly imaged and monitored insertion of wires and cannulas using a portable X-ray system. Cannulas were successfully inserted in the appropriate position, and VV-ECMO was initiated without any complications. <Learning objective: Transportation of patients with coronavirus disease outside isolation rooms carries the risk of further spread of the disease. By repeatedly acquiring images using a portable X-ray system, safe and accurate cannulation for veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation can be performed at the bedside in the intensive care unit.>.

Keywords: COVID-19; Cannula; Catheterization; Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; Intensive care unit; Portable X-ray system.