Vascular Reconstruction After Cannulation for Support With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Literature Review of Data in the Pediatric Population*

Vascular reconstruction after ECMO decannulation has been reported since 1990. Although reconstruction does not appear to carry significant short-term morbidity, there are no large prospective studies or randomized controlled trials demonstrating its efficacy in improving neurologic outcomes in ECMO patients. There is also a paucity of data regarding outcomes in older children or long-term ramifications of vascular reconstruction.