ECMO cannula scars: how they heal and what to watch for

The short answer

A scar is left where the ECMO tubes went in. A scar cannot be removed, but most fade over time, which can take up to 2 years or more.Source:Cleveland Clinic NHS (UK)

What the scars are

ECMO tubes are called cannulas. When you are ready to come off ECMO, a provider removes the tubes and stitches the skin where they were.Source:Cleveland Clinic

Looking after a scar

Most scars fade over time. This can take up to 2 years or more.Source:NHS (UK)

Keep a scar covered or use sunscreen with SPF 30 or more in the sun, for at least a year.Source:NHS (UK)

Massaging a scar with a water-based cream can help, but only once the wound is fully healed. Ask your care team before you start.Source:NHS (UK)

Signs of infection

Any break in the skin carries a risk of infection, and the tubes of an ECMO circuit can let infection in.Source:Cleveland Clinic

Skin that is painful, hot and swollen, often red (less obvious on brown or black skin), sometimes with feeling unwell or flu-like, can be cellulitis. Early treatment with antibiotics matters.Source:NHS (UK)

A scar that is swollen, painful, warm to the touch or leaking pus needs an urgent call to your care team.Source:NHS (UK)

Signs of a blood clot

While on ECMO, people take blood thinners because of the risk of clots.Source:Cleveland Clinic

A clot in a vein can cause throbbing pain in one leg (or arm), swelling, and red, blue or darkened skin. It is more likely soon after leaving hospital. Get medical help as soon as possible.Source:NHS (UK)

Call 911 if...

Pain and swelling in a leg or arm, with shortness of breath or chest pain. A clot can travel to the lungs.Source:NHS (UK)
Skin that looks infected, with a very high temperature or shivering, a fast heartbeat or fast breathing, feeling dizzy or faint, or confusion.Source:NHS (UK)

Call 911

Call your care team the same day if...

A scar or the skin around it that is swollen, painful, warm or leaking pus.Source:NHS (UK)NHS (UK)
Pain, swelling or red or darkened skin in one leg or arm.Source:NHS (UK)

Quick answers

Will my ECMO scars go away?

A scar cannot be removed, but most scars fade over time. The NHS says this can take up to 2 years or more. Keeping a scar covered or using sunscreen in the sun for at least a year can help.

Source:NHS (UK)

What are the signs of infection at an ECMO site?

Skin that is painful, hot and swollen, a scar that is swollen, painful or warm to the touch, or pus coming from it. Call your care team the same day.

Source:NHS (UK)NHS (UK)

When to call

Where this comes from

General information, not medical advice. Talk to your care team.