Novel Use of a Distal Perfusion Catheter With a Removable Side Port in Patients on VA-ECMO

JACC Case Reports 2026 Open access

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Authors: Raef Fadel, Anas Al-Suraimi, Fares Sukhon, Li Pang, Vikas Aggarwal, Ahmad Jabri, Mir Babar Basir, Brittany Fuller, Asaad Nakhle, Khaldoon Alaswad, Mohammad Alqarqaz
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2026.107395
Cited by: 2
References: 8

Abstract

Risk of limb ischemia in patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is minimized with the use of distal perfusion catheters (DPCs). However, conventional sheaths utilize a flow-limiting side port connection, reducing efficacy. We report 5 cases wherein we utilized a commercially available DPC with a removable side port in patients treated with VA-ECMO. The use of a DPC without a side port increased flow by 220% when compared to the use of a DPC with a side port. No patients experienced limb ischemia while on VA-ECMO.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Central Venous Catheters and Hemodialysis Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices Cardiac pacing and defibrillation studies

Publication details

Journal / source
JACC Case Reports
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
31
Issue
18
Pages
107395–107395
Publication date
4 April 2026
Language
EN