Working Around: The Use of AngioVac and Micra Transcatheter Leadless Pacemaker Implantation in a Critically Ill Patient Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Abstract

The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in critically ill patients has been on the rise in recent years. While ECMO has provided substantial benefit to patients who need cardiopulmonary support, its required use of large-bore catheters in major blood vessels often precludes the use of other transcatheter therapies. In this article, we demonstrate that two transcatheter procedures, AngioVac right-sided cardiac thrombus removal and Micra leadless pacemaker placement, both requiring large bore access, can both be safely and effectively implemented in patients who are dependent on ECMO to maintain cardiopulmonary function.