Venous thromboembolic events in the setting of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in adults: A systematic review.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of prolonged mechanical cardiopulmonary supportive therapy implemented for the survival of patients with refractory cardiac and respiratory dysfunction. Venovenous (VV) and venoarterial (VA) ECMO are both used to buy time in severe respiratory failure while VA ECMO also provides hemodynamic support. Unfortunately, the risk of developing circuit or cannula associated and systemic thrombosis in patients supported by ECMO and post circuit decannulation is a devastating complication, although the relationship between venous thromboembolism (VTE) and ECMO use has not been fully established. Due to the lack of knowledge and literature centered on this topic area, currently there are no official guidelines for prompt diagnosis by screening or to optimize prevention and treatment of VTE in this specific population. This review analyzes the relationship between ECMO and subsequent VTE. We also discuss pertinent prophylactic and therapeutic anticoagulation treatments in patients diagnosed with VTE while on ECMO along with the obstacles associated with them.