The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has increased since its inception.
As this modality gained wider acceptance, its application in a variety of disease
states has increased. The initial use of ECMO required cannulation of both the carotid
artery and internal jugular vein (VA ECMO). Ligation of the carotid artery and concern
regarding potential long-term sequelae prompted the development of the single cannula
venous only (VV ECMO) technique. Various reports in the literature have compared VV
ECMO and VA ECMO. We present a review of the literature with regard to both physiology
and clinical application.
ECMO - meconium aspiration syndrome - respiratory failure - congenital diaphragmatic
hernia - sepsis