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Iatrogenic systemic air embolism treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy
T B Jørgensen1, A M Sørensen, E C Jansen
1Department of Anaesthesia, Abdominal Center, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. bech2000@tiscali.dk
Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica
|March 15, 2008
Summary
Air embolism, a rare surgical complication, can cause heart and neurological issues. Two patients with venous and cerebral air emboli were successfully treated using hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Surgery
- Cardiology
Background:
- Air embolism is a rare but serious complication following surgical and invasive procedures.
- Large air emboli can lead to critical conditions like cardiac 'gas lock' and circulatory collapse.
- Arterial air transmission via shunts may result in cerebral emboli and neurological deficits.
Observation:
- This report details two cases of patients experiencing simultaneous venous air emboli and cerebral arterial emboli.
- Both patients presented with symptoms indicative of air transmission to the arterial circulation.
Findings:
- The two presented cases involved concurrent venous and cerebral arterial air emboli.
- Both patients demonstrated successful outcomes following treatment.
Implications:
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a viable and effective treatment for severe air embolism, including cases with concurrent venous and arterial involvement.
- Prompt recognition and treatment of air embolism are crucial to prevent potentially fatal outcomes.
- These cases highlight the importance of considering arterial involvement in patients with venous air embolism.
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