What is a potential complication of ECMO related to mobilization?

The potential complication of ECMO related to mobilization is the risk of limb ischemia from cannulation. During ECMO, cannulas are placed in large blood vessels to facilitate blood flow to and from the ECMO circuit. If these cannulas are placed in an artery or vein, such as the femoral artery or vein, they can obstruct blood flow to the limb.

When a patient is mobilized, particularly if they are moving while connected to the ECMO circuit, the positioning and movement can put additional stress on the vessels, potentially compromising blood flow even further. This could lead to ischemia, where tissues in the limb do not receive enough blood and oxygen, causing pain, tissue damage, or loss of the affected limb if not promptly addressed.

Understanding this risk is crucial for healthcare providers when managing patients on ECMO, as appropriate precautions and monitoring are needed during mobilization to minimize potential complications.