Inferior vena cava filter placement before ECMO decannulation.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), particularly thrombi in the inferior vena cava (IVC) and pulmonary embolism, can occur after successful extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and can be associated with adverse outcomes including death. VTE is related to the presence of a venous cannula and in some cases inadequate anticoagulation caused by clinical bleeding. We have developed a simple method for guidewire exchange of the femoral venous ECMO cannula to a working catheter for intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) IVC filter placement, and describe the specific methodology.