To analyze the effects and differences of two veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) cannulation methods and subsequent left ventricular unloading on cardiac function and hemodynamics.

The lumped parameter model (LPM) of VA-ECMO integrated with the cardiovascular system in the MATLAB/Simulink environment was extended to simulate and analyze the changes in ventricular function and blood flow in the heart failure patient model under central VA-ECMO or peripheral VA-ECMO support. The effects of using arterial vasodilators or a left atrial drainage cannula on left ventricular function under central VA-ECMO support at a pump flow rate of 3 L/min were compared.

Under central VA-ECMO or peripheral VA-ECMO support, left ventricular pressure and volume increased, and stroke volume and ventricular work decreased. Both arterial vasodilators and the left atrial drainage cannula could reduce left ventricular pressure and volume. Arterial vasodilators additionally increased stroke volume and improved left ventricular ejection fraction from 11.6% to 19.5%.

Both VA-ECMO cannulation methods provide effective circulatory support in the heart failure patient model, with similar effects on ventricular function. Under central VA-ECMO support, arterial vasodilators can improve left ventricular function more effectively than the left atrial drainage cannula.