Case Report: Navigating the bleeding-thrombosis paradox: regional nafamostat anticoagulation in a post-intracerebral hemorrhage patient on VV-ECMO - Report - MDSpire

Case Report: Navigating the bleeding-thrombosis paradox: regional nafamostat anticoagulation in a post-intracerebral hemorrhage patient on VV-ECMO

  • By

  • Shujia Zhang

  • Zhenyin Zhang

  • Jin Yang

  • Jiangqiong Peng

  • Yi Yang

  • Longxiang Su

  • Jing Jiang

  • July 15, 2026

Share

Clinical Report: Addressing the Bleeding-Thrombosis Dilemma with Nafamostat

Overview

This case study explores the use of nafamostat mesylate for anticoagulation in a VV-ECMO patient post-intracerebral hemorrhage. A strategic adjustment in the infusion site was made.

Background

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a critical intervention for patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), particularly following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The challenge lies in balancing the risk of circuit thrombosis against the potential for rebleeding due to systemic anticoagulation. Current practices vary widely, and there is no standardized approach for anticoagulation in post-ICH patients on ECMO.

Data Highlights

No numerical data provided in the article.

Key Findings

  • Nafamostat mesylate (NM) was used for anticoagulation in a VV-ECMO patient post-ICH.
  • Initial NM infusion at the conventional post-pump site did not achieve regional anticoagulation.
  • Relocating the NM infusion to the pre-pump position established a circuit-to-systemic aPTT gradient.
  • This adjustment allowed for control of circuit thrombosis.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate that the infusion site of anticoagulants like NM can impact coagulation outcomes in ECMO patients.

Conclusion

This case illustrates the adjustment of infusion techniques in VV-ECMO management.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Wu et al., Critical Care, 2026 -- VV-ECMO without anticoagulation in trauma patients: balancing bleeding and thrombosis
  2. Wu et al., Critical Care, 2026 -- Anticoagulation-free VV-ECMO: expanding the evidence beyond trauma
  3. Utilization of Mobile Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Trauma Patients Following Freshwater Drowning with Bi-Caval Dual Lumen Catheter, Intensive Care Medicine, 2011
  4. ExtracorporeaL life support and Modification Of Hemostasis: the ELMOH trial, Critical Care, 2026
  5. ELSO Neurological Monitoring for Adult Patients on ECMO Guidelines, 2024
  6. Efficacy of reduced-intensity or no heparin versus standard heparin anticoagulation in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, Frontiers, 2026
  7. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses of nafamostat in ECMO patients, Frontiers, 2025
  8. https://www.biomedsimulation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ELSO_Neurological_Monitoring_for_Adult_Patients_on_ECMO_Guidelines_2024.pdf
  9. Frontiers | Efficacy of reduced-intensity or no heparin versus standard heparin anticoagulation in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  10. Frontiers | Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses of nafamostat in ECMO patients: comparing central vein and ECMO machine samples

Original Source(s)

Related Content