Where does the Protek Duo cannula drain and return blood?

The Protek Duo cannula is designed for the management of advanced respiratory failure and is utilized in veno-arterial (VA) ECMO configurations. Specifically, this cannula drains blood from the right atrium and returns oxygenated blood to the pulmonary artery. This unique configuration allows it to provide respiratory support while simultaneously promoting pulmonary blood flow.

Through this mechanism, the Protek Duo is advantageous in situations where patients are experiencing severe lung issues, as it can deliver oxygenated blood directly into the pulmonary artery, enabling gas exchange to occur in the lungs. This is especially beneficial for patients with conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or other severe pulmonary failures.

Other options propose different anatomical locations for drainage and return that do not align with the functioning and anatomical path of the Protek Duo. While understanding these configurations is essential, recognizing the correct pathway that allows the cannula to optimize pulmonary function is crucial for ECMO specialists.