Does a distal perfusion cannula reduce ischaemic complications of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation?

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides support to patients with severe but reversible cardiac or pulmonary failure. Vascular complications of ECMO are well recognized.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 70 patients (mean age 48 years; 15-85) who received peripheral veno-arterial ECMO from 2004 to 2010 in a single centre.