Percutaneous Decannulation Instead of Surgical Removal for Weaning After Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation—A Crossed Perclose ProGlide Closure Device Technique Using a Hemostasis Valve Y Connector

Improvements in cannula removal techniques, and in particular a standardized decannulation technique with a suitable closure device, are needed to further improve patients’ outcomes after percutaneous cannulation. The decannulation techniques described so far are neither sufficiently standardized nor proven enough to be used in the large group of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients. To meet this challenge, we have established a highly standardized and safe decannulation technique based on the Perclose ProGlide closure system (Abbott Vascular, Lake Bluff, IL). DESIGN: Establishment of a highly standardized and safe decannulation technique based on the Perclose ProGlide closure system, which is described in detail with comprehensive instructions for the executive clinician and first application in the context of a pilot study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: So far our technique has already been used successfully in seven patients since January 2019 as a standard procedure on our ICU with only one minor complication occurred after the first procedure, that is, a small pseudoaneurysm likely originating from antegrade perfusion puncture site which was sealed by thrombin injection. CONCLUSIONS: Our crossed ProGlide technique using a hemostasis valve Y connector ensuring no blood loss seems to be a very promising decannulation technique.