Which complications can arise from cannulation for ECMO?

Cannulation for ECMO involves the placement of a catheter into blood vessels to facilitate the flow of blood into the ECMO circuit. This procedure, while lifesaving, carries the risk of several complications, of which hematoma and arterial injury are prominent concerns.

Hematomas can occur when there is bleeding in the tissue surrounding the cannulation site due to the puncturing of blood vessels. This bleeding can lead to swelling and pain, and in some cases, can compress nearby structures or compromise blood flow.

Arterial injury is another significant risk associated with cannulation, as the procedure involves inserting a cannula into arterial or venous vessels. Damage to the artery can result in vascular complications, which may lead to inadequate blood supply to the extremities or internal organs, potentially resulting in ischemia.

While the other options include various complications associated with ECMO and its management, they are not as directly linked to the cannulation process itself. For instance, atrial flutter and pulmonary embolism can occur in critically ill patients, but they are more related to underlying conditions or complications of ECMO use rather than the physical act of cannulation. Deep vein thrombosis is another risk in the broader context of ECMO therapy but is not as closely tied to the