Which blood vessels are most commonly cannulated for ECMO support?

In the context of ECMO support, the most commonly cannulated blood vessels are the jugular and femoral veins. This choice is optimal because these vessels facilitate venous access for the return and drainage of blood in the ECMO circuit.

The jugular vein is typically used for drainage in patients receiving venous-venous ECMO. It provides easy access to the superior vena cava and allows for efficient removal of deoxygenated blood. The femoral vein can serve as a return site for reinfusing oxygenated blood back into the systemic circulation, making it a critical component in both venous-venous and venous-arterial ECMO configurations. This approach facilitates effective blood flow during ECMO support, allowing for the stabilization of patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure.

Other choices do not align with typical ECMO practice. Cannulating the radial and ulnar arteries would not provide the necessary access for ECMO support, as systemic arterial flow is needed rather than peripheral arterial sites. Subclavian and brachial veins are also not typically utilized for ECMO access due to anatomical limitations and higher risks of complications. Cannulation of the aorta and vena cava is more complex and less common, usually reserved for specific surgical interventions or