Experience With the Crescent® Cannula for Adult Respiratory VV ECMO: A Case Series

Introduction

The Crescent^® is a recently introduced dual lumen cannula by which veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) is delivered. It has a number of features that enhance its ease of placement, pressure-flow dynamics and may reduce catheter-related complication rates.

Methods

We present the first case series of its kind analysing this device by means of a retrospective observational study of prospectively collected data from the first year of its use in a high volume severe acute respiratory failure centre (Glenfield, UK). We compare complication rates of the Crescent^®, with data from the international ELSO database and our own historic centre data and discuss subjective clinician experience of introducing this device.

Results

Over the first 12 months of its use (23/09/2019–23/09/2020), 54 patients were cannulated using a Crescent^® catheter. There were no serious/life-threatening adverse events and a low number of minor cannula-related complications. Subjectively users found it has a number of advantages over other devices and configurations, not captured within current data collection frameworks.

Conclusion

The Crescent^® is a safe and effective device by which to deliver VV ECMO support to patients with severe acute respiratory failure.