Structural Heart (Nov 2022)

Left Atrial-Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Step-By-Step Procedure and Case Example

  • Alejandro Lemor, MD, MS,
  • Mir B. Basir, DO,
  • Brian P. O'Neill, MD,
  • Jennifer Cowger, MD,
  • Tiberio Frisoli, MD,
  • James C. Lee, MD,
  • Dee Dee Wang, MD,
  • Khaldoon Alaswad, MD,
  • William O’Neill, MD,
  • Pedro A. Villablanca, MD, MS

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. 6
p. 100117

Abstract

Read online

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is used in patients requiring biventricular support; however, its use increases the afterload. In patients with severe aortic insufficiency or severe left ventricular disfunction, it will increase left-side filling pressures, hence the need for left ventricle unloading with an additional mechanical circulatory support device. We present a case of a patient with cardiogenic shock and severe aortic insufficiency who underwent left atrial veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and provide a step-by-step explanation of the technique.