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.