Right Ventricular Perforation Leading to Sudden Death Due to Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Canula Dislodgement

ECMO has been playing an increasingly important role in the management of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, despite its potential benefits, high mortality rates are still being reported worldwide. Herein, we report the case of a 32-year-old male who presented with worsening shortness of breath secondary to COVID-19. Unfortunately, he experienced a sentinel event when the cannula became dislodged due to coughing, which led to a right ventricular perforation and sudden pulseless electrical activity (PEA) cardiac arrest.