Background Use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in adult patients to treat refractory cardiogenic shock has increased in recent years, and ischemic stroke is the most frequent VA-ECMO-induced cerebrovascular complication. No adult case of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has been reported.

Methods Retrospective observational study of hospital medical records of patients who received circulatory support with VA-ECMO with acute ischemic stroke treated with MT, from 2006 to 2018.

Results Two adult patients on VA-ECMO with acute ischemic stroke treated with MT were found. Both cases were successfully treated.

Conclusion These cases illustrate the feasibility of performing MT in adult patients on ECMO.