CTICasesLeft ventricular vent cannula on central VA-ECMO
Imaging findings
Radiograph shows a tiny, Arrowhead/conical radio-opaque object projecting over the heart. CT confirms the object is the tip of a venting cannula positioned within the left ventricular cavity, having been placed surgically via the right superior pulmonary vein.
Key takeaways
Patients on central VA-ECMO are at risk of left ventricular over-distension due to retrograde aortic flow. Placement of a left ventricular vent (either surgically through the pulmonary veins or percutaneously via Impella) is essential to decompress the LV, prevent pulmonary edema, and facilitate myocardial recovery.
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