• Veno-Veno (VV) ecmo is most often used for patients with severe lung dysfunction as in the case of ARDS, H1N1, and Cystic Fibrosis as a bridge to lung transplant.

• Typically these patients will be on maxed ventilator support with inhaled nitric oxide or inhaled epoprostenol and still have poor oxygenation.

•  VV has the capability to provide the support for the failing lungs.

•  We must remember that VV ecmo only supports the lungs and the patient must have good native cardiac function.  

• There are 2 common routes for VV ecmo cannulation, both are considered peripheral cannulation.

•  The first one uses a dual lumen catheter tube inserted into the internal jugular vein and and the second option uses two catheters placed in the femoral vein and the internal jugular vein.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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