Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannula dressing and securement practices: A point prevalence study

Amanda Corley, India Pearse, Jayshree D. Lavana, Abhilasha Ahuja, Chris M. Anstey, Emma Haisz, Rachael Parke, Mandy Tallott, Vincent A. Pellegrino, Hergen Buscher, John F. Fraser, ECMO Point Prevalence Study Investigators. Australian Critical Care. Volume 38, Issue 6, November 2025, 101298. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aucc.2025.101298

Background: Effective securement of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cannulae, both at the insertion site and along the length of circuit tubing, may reduce the risk of cannula migration, dislodgement, and infection, all of which can lead to adverse patient outcomes. Despite this, there are no evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to inform cannula dressing and securement practices. However, before recommendations for best practice can be made, current practice must be understood.