ECMO Weaning & Decannulation Flashcards
6 cards from real CES practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 ECMO Weaning & Decannulation flashcards as text
After successful decannulation of a femoral arterial VA ECMO cannula, the preferred method of hemostasis is:
Answer: Figure-of-eight suture with surgical cut-down or purse-string closure
Femoral arterial decannulation typically requires surgical closure (figure-of-eight or purse-string suture) due to the large-bore cannula size.
Limb ischemia distal to a femoral arterial ECMO cannula is best managed by:
Answer: Insertion of a distal perfusion cannula (DPC) in the superficial femoral artery
A distal perfusion cannula inserted into the superficial femoral artery restores antegrade flow to the ischemic limb during ongoing ECMO support.
Which sign during VV ECMO decannulation indicates a potentially dangerous air embolism risk?
Answer: Patient coughing or taking deep breath during cannula removal
Inspiration during venous decannulation creates negative intrathoracic pressure that can entrain air through the open cannulation site into the venous system.
What Trendelenburg positioning maneuver during venous decannulation helps prevent air embolism?
Answer: 15–30° Trendelenburg (head down)
Trendelenburg (head-down) positioning raises venous pressure at the cannulation site, reducing the risk of air entrainment during decannulation.
Following decannulation, how long is bed rest typically recommended after femoral venous ECMO cannula removal?
Answer: 4–6 hours
Approximately 4–6 hours of bed rest after femoral venous decannulation is standard practice to ensure hemostasis and prevent hematoma formation.
Which post-decannulation complication is most common after femoral VA ECMO?
Answer: Femoral artery pseudoaneurysm or hematoma
Femoral artery pseudoaneurysm and local hematoma are the most frequently reported vascular complications following femoral arterial VA ECMO decannulation.