Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support of pulmonary insufficiency using Avalon Elite® cannula in pediatric patients

The "Avalon Elite((R))" cannula is a double-lumen cannula used to establish veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. The reported advantages are that extracorporeal circulation can be established by cannulating through the right internal jugular vein only, and there is less re-circulation than with a two-cannula technique. It is available in a wide range of cannula sizes and can be used in a variety of patients, from children to adults. We herein report three pediatric cases in which an Avalon Elite((R)) cannula was useful. The first was a case of acute mitral regurgitation due to idiopathic chordal rupture for postoperative severe lung injury and atelectasis due to cardiogenic pulmonary edema. The second was a case of end-stage radiation pneumonitis for safe transfer to facility of lung transplantation. The third was a convalescent case of fulminant myocarditis with severe atelectasis due to cardiogenic pulmonary edema. In each case, veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation using an Avalon Elite((R)) cannula was established, the expected sufficient support was secured, and a good clinical course was obtained without major complications associated with an Avalon Elite((R)) cannula.