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Updated: Jun 30, 2026
05:43
Topical Airway Anesthesia for Awake-endoscopic Intubation Using the Spray-as-you-go Technique with High Oxygen Flow
Published on: January 13, 2017
[Fatal air embolism during open eye surgery].
F Dermigny1, F Daelman, P-G Guinot
1Pôle d'anesthésie-réanimation, centre hospitalier universitaire d'Amiens, place Victor-Pauchet, 80054 Amiens cedex 1, France.
Annales Francaises D'Anesthesie Et De Reanimation
|October 1, 2008
Summary
Gas embolism, a known surgical risk, can exceptionally occur during eye surgery. This case highlights a fatal outcome despite treatment, emphasizing the need for vigilance in ophthalmic procedures.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Anesthesiology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Gas embolism is a recognized complication associated with specific surgical procedures.
- Prevention and prompt detection are primary goals for surgical and anesthesia teams.
- While rare, gas embolism can lead to severe consequences during ophthalmic surgery.
Observation:
- A case report of a 51-year-old male (ASA physical status 1) experiencing cardiac arrest during open eye surgery.
- The surgery involved foreign body extraction and intraocular air injection.
- The patient developed multiple organ failure post-procedure.
Findings:
- The patient suffered cardiac arrest during the ophthalmic procedure.
- Despite receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the patient's condition did not improve.
- The case resulted in a fatal outcome due to multiple organ failure.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for catastrophic events like gas embolism during seemingly routine ophthalmic surgeries.
- It highlights the critical importance of awareness and preparedness for managing rare but severe complications in eye surgery.
- Further research into preventative strategies and improved detection methods for gas embolism in ophthalmology may be warranted.
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