REPEAT EXTRACORPOREAL MEMBRANE-OXYGENATION IN A NEONATE - AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD FOR CANNULATION

Cannulation for repeat extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in n eonates with respiratory failure may be associated with technical diff iculties, especially after the ligation of both the carotid artery and internal jugular vein. In a newborn who required repeat ECMO, the pre viously reconstructed right carotid artery was used for arterial acces s. The right atrium was cannulated through a small submammary thoracot omy incision after the internal jugular vein was found to be thrombose d. This approach is relatively simple, provides excellent bypass flow, and is not associated with significant bleeding.