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The Journal of Heart and Lung... Sep 2020
Topics: Aged; Echocardiography; Embolism, Air; Heart Failure; Heart-Assist Devices; Humans; Male; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 32711932
DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2020.06.027 -
Der Anaesthesist Apr 1999Paradoxical air embolism may occur with any venous air embolism. Air may either enter the systemic circulation through a patent foramen ovale or through transpulmonary... (Review)
Review
Paradoxical air embolism may occur with any venous air embolism. Air may either enter the systemic circulation through a patent foramen ovale or through transpulmonary passage of air. While small venous air emboli are mostly well tolerated, even the smallest paradoxical air emboli can have fatal consequences in the systemic circulation. Therapy and prophylaxis of paradoxical air embolism equal those of venous air embolism. This is especially true, since paradoxical air embolism may not become obvious under general anesthesia. More specific therapeutic regiments, such as hyperbaric oxygenation and the infusion of perfluorocarbons, are still in an experimental stage.
Topics: Embolism, Air; Humans; Intraoperative Complications
PubMed: 10352788
DOI: 10.1007/s001010050696 -
European Review For Medical and... Dec 2013Pacemaker implantation has developed into a mature technology, meanwhile, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), as... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Pacemaker implantation has developed into a mature technology, meanwhile, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), as extended pace making technology, are both carried out in rising frequency. Massive pulmonary air embolism is a rare but fatal complication accompanying with such pace making process. The objective of this study was to investigate the epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanism, occurrence and treatment for this kind of complication.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Two cases of complicated massive pulmonary gas embolism were presented: one in CRT and the other in pacemaker implantation, both of which were captured rapidly and treated successfully by inhalation of high flow oxygen, closure of gas inflow tract, position change, and vasoactive drugs. Moreover, published literatures about air embolism in the process of pacemaker implantation or CRT/ICD were summarized and analyzed.
RESULTS
Complicated massive pulmonary air embolisms could be successfully resolved with satisfied short-term prognosis. Literature analysis showed that massive pulmonary air embolism is very rare in the course of pacemaker implantation, and coughing or deep breathing, advanced age, preoperative sedation, sheath with large cavity, improperly operating the hemostasis valve and diminished compliance of pulmonary circulation might be risk factors for air embolism.
CONCLUSIONS
Massive pulmonary air embolism during pace making which is very rare in the course of pacemaker implantation is one kind of life-threatening complication. Rapid judgment and timely treatment can avoid a catastrophic event, which could prevent adverse impact on the short-term prognosis, while further observation is required to explore the long-term prognosis.
Topics: Aged, 80 and over; Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Devices; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Embolism, Air; Humans; Male; Pacemaker, Artificial; Pulmonary Embolism; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 24338456
DOI: No ID Found -
The Journal of Vascular Access May 2023Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an incredible, life-sustaining intervention for patients suffering from a variety of cardiopulmonary insults. However, its...
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an incredible, life-sustaining intervention for patients suffering from a variety of cardiopulmonary insults. However, its use comes with a unique set of risks and potentially devastating complications, including air entrainment and embolism. We present a case of recurrent air entrainment in a patient on veno-venous ECMO after her peripherally inserted central catheter became entrapped within the lumen of her bi-caval, dual lumen ECMO cannula. We briefly discuss considerations for air embolism on ECMO and recommend general strategies to avoid this potentially catastrophic complication.
Topics: Humans; Female; Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation; Embolism, Air; Cannula
PubMed: 34414820
DOI: 10.1177/11297298211039651 -
Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal... Sep 2023
Topics: Infant; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Infant, Premature; Embolism, Air; Resuscitation; Gestational Age; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; Neonatology
PubMed: 37277170
DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-325758 -
Nursing Times
Topics: Catheterization, Swan-Ganz; Causality; Diving; Echocardiography, Doppler; Echocardiography, Transesophageal; Embolism, Air; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; Posture; Risk Factors
PubMed: 16903302
DOI: No ID Found -
Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal... May 2023
Topics: Infant; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Embolism, Air; Resuscitation; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; Infant, Newborn, Diseases
PubMed: 34413094
DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-320532 -
Clinical Medicine & Research Mar 2024Goldenhar syndrome, a rare congenital anomaly, manifests as craniofacial malformations often necessitating intricate surgical interventions. These procedures, though...
Goldenhar syndrome, a rare congenital anomaly, manifests as craniofacial malformations often necessitating intricate surgical interventions. These procedures, though crucial, can expose patients to diverse postoperative complications, including hemorrhage or infection. A noteworthy complication is stroke, potentially linked to air embolism or local surgical trauma. We highlight a case of a male patient, aged 20 years, who experienced a significant postoperative complication of an ischemic stroke, theorized to be due to an air embolism, after undergoing orthognathic procedures for Goldenhar syndrome. The patient was subjected to LeFort I maxillary osteotomy, bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy of the mandible, and anterior iliac crest bone grafting to the right maxilla. He suffered an acute ischemic stroke in the left thalamus post-surgery, theorized to stem from an air embolism. Advanced imaging demonstrated air pockets within the cavernous sinus, a rare and concerning finding suggestive of potential air embolism. This case underscores the intricate challenges in treating Goldenhar syndrome patients and the rare but significant risk of stroke due to air embolism or surgical trauma. Limited literature on managing air embolism complications specific to Goldenhar syndrome surgeries exists. Generally, management includes immediate recognition, positional adjustments, air aspiration via central venous catheters, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, hemodynamic support, and high-flow oxygen administration to expedite air resorption. Our patient was conservatively managed post-surgery, and at a 3-month neurology follow-up, he showed significant improvement with only residual right arm weakness. It emphasizes the imperative of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach.
Topics: Humans; Male; Goldenhar Syndrome; Ischemic Stroke; Orthognathic Surgery; Embolism, Air; Stroke; Intraoperative Complications
PubMed: 38609140
DOI: 10.3121/cmr.2024.1882 -
Catheterization and Cardiovascular... Dec 2006Coronary air embolism is a complication in the catheterization laboratory that can be associated with high morbidity and even mortality. A case report of air embolism... (Review)
Review
Coronary air embolism is a complication in the catheterization laboratory that can be associated with high morbidity and even mortality. A case report of air embolism and methods to prevent this complication from occurring are presented along with various management techniques.
Topics: Aged; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; Coronary Stenosis; Embolism, Air; Humans; Male
PubMed: 17086533
DOI: 10.1002/ccd.20880 -
BMJ Case Reports Jun 2022Standard initial treatment for acute empyema involves antibiotic administration and chest tube drainage; however, pleural lavage with saline is another treatment that...
Standard initial treatment for acute empyema involves antibiotic administration and chest tube drainage; however, pleural lavage with saline is another treatment that mitigates the need for surgical drainage. Although this treatment is recognised as non-invasive and safe, the complications of cerebral air embolism are less recognised.In this case, a man in his late 40s was diagnosed with acute empyema and treated with chest tube (28 Fr) drainage and antibiotics. Empyema remained on follow-up chest imaging; thus intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy (urokinase 120 000 units/day for a total of 3 days) and pleural lavage (0.9% saline 1000 mL/day daily) were administered. During the 10th pleural lavage, the patient suddenly became unconscious. Head imaging revealed a cerebral air embolism. Consequently, he received urgent hyperbaric oxygen therapy and improved without any neurological sequelae.Clinicians should be aware of the complications of sudden cerebral air embolism due to pleural lavage for empyema.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Embolism, Air; Empyema, Pleural; Humans; Male; Pleura; Pleural Effusion; Saline Solution; Therapeutic Irrigation; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator
PubMed: 35760513
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-249618