Bidirectional arterial cannula for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and method for using such a cannula
Inventors
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Publication Number
US-12478722-B2
Publication Date
2025-11-25
Expiration Date
Abstract
An arterial cannula for ECMO includes a main arterial cannula with an inner wall and having a first end with a blood outflow port. The first end is intended to be introduced into an artery so as to inject the blood retrogradely into the artery. A retro-perfusion cannula is configured to be translatably movable between a retracted position in the first end of the main arterial cannula and a deployed position at least partly outside the main arterial cannula and opposite the blood outflow port of the main arterial cannula.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an ECMO bidirectional arterial cannula system for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. A main arterial cannula includes an inner wall and a first end having a blood outlet orifice intended to be inserted into an artery to inject blood retrograde into the artery. A retroperfusion cannula is configured to be movable in translation between a retracted position within the first end of the main arterial cannula and a deployed position at least partially out of the first end.
In the deployed position, the retroperfusion cannula is opposite the blood outlet orifice of the main arterial cannula so that the system provides anterograde blood to the lower limb. The retroperfusion cannula comprises a tube with a smaller diameter than the diameter of the main arterial cannula. The retroperfusion cannula further comprises a ring disposed at a proximal end relative to the blood outlet orifice, where the ring has a diameter substantially identical to the diameter of the main arterial cannula.
The described mechanical arrangement uses safety and flow related structural features to manage the bidirectional function and deployment behavior. The translation is guided by features such as a groove/rib cooperation and rib stop conditions against the inner wall, and optional structural features include an aperture in an elbow for deployment. Beveled ends are described as complementary to an elbow curvature to prevent projection, while tube geometry and inner wall shaping are described to support flow and reduce issues such as hemolysis.
Claims Coverage
The document provides one independent claim covering the core bidirectional ECMO arterial cannula architecture, with multiple dependent claims that refine the inventive features with additional mechanical coupling and geometrical constraints.
Bidirectional ECMO arterial cannula with retroperfusion deployment opposite the blood outlet orifice
An arterial cannula for ECMO comprising a main arterial cannula having an inner wall and a first end with a blood outlet orifice intended for retrograde injection into an artery, and a retroperfusion cannula configured to be movable in translation between a retracted position in the first end and a deployed position at least partially out of the first end, the retroperfusion cannula being opposite to the blood outlet orifice.
Smaller-diameter retroperfusion tube with ring sized substantially identical to the main arterial cannula
The retroperfusion cannula comprises a tube with a diameter smaller than a diameter of the main arterial cannula and a ring with a diameter substantially identical to the diameter of the main arterial cannula, the ring being disposed at a proximal end of the retroperfusion cannula with respect to the blood outlet orifice.
Retroperfusion cannula translation in contact with the main cannula inner wall until ring contacts a stop
The retroperfusion cannula is configured to slip in translation in contact with the main arterial cannula inner wall until the ring contacts a stop of the inner wall.
Groove and rib mechanical coupling between the main inner wall and the retroperfusion ring
The main arterial cannula inner wall has a longitudinal groove that cooperates with a rib on the ring of the retroperfusion cannula.
Elliptical tube profile for the retroperfusion cannula tube
The tube has an elliptical profile.
Overall, the claims center on a bidirectional arterial cannula for ECMO where a retroperfusion cannula is translatably movable between retracted and deployed positions opposite the main cannula blood outlet orifice. The retroperfusion cannula uses a smaller-diameter tube with a ring substantially matching the main cannula diameter, with dependent claims refining translation guidance via inner-wall contact with a stop, groove/rib cooperation, and an elliptical tube profile.
Stated Advantages
Reducing lower limb ischemia and thrombosis during VA ECMO.
Avoiding difficult femoral retroperfusion cannula insertion.
Supporting flow and reducing hemolysis as described in the document.
Documented Applications
Used in VA ECMO / extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as an arterial cannula system providing retrograde injection through a blood outlet orifice and anterograde blood to the lower limb via a deployed retroperfusion cannula.
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