PICC entrapment and air embolism on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A case report

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an incredible, life-sustaining intervention for patients suffering from a variety of cardiopulmonary insults. However, its use comes with a unique set of risks and potentially devastating complications, including air entrainment and embolism. We present a case of recurrent air entrainment in a patient on veno-venous ECMO after her peripherally inserted central catheter became entrapped within the lumen of her bi-caval, dual lumen ECMO cannula. We briefly discuss considerations for air embolism on ECMO and recommend general strategies to avoid this potentially catastrophic complication.