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Coronary air embolism during mitral valvuloplasty
1Cardiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Abassia, Cairo, Egypt.
Acta Cardiologica
|October 29, 2011
Summary
A rare complication during percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty, balloon rupture, led to air embolism in the coronary artery. Prompt intervention successfully cleared the air, restoring blood flow and stabilizing the patient.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
Background:
- Rheumatic mitral valve disease can necessitate percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty (PMV).
- The multitrack technique is a method used for PMV.
Observation:
- A 30-year-old male with rheumatic mitral valve disease developed dyspnea and underwent PMV.
- During the procedure, a balloon ruptured, causing chest pain, shock, and ST-segment elevation.
- Coronary angiography revealed an air bubble obstructing the right coronary artery.
Findings:
- The air bubble was successfully cleared from the right coronary artery using nitroglycerin and saline infusion.
- Restoration of TIMI grade 3 flow and myocardial blush was confirmed.
- The patient's chest pain resolved, and hemodynamic stability returned.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare but serious complication of PMV: air embolism.
- It underscores the importance of prompt recognition and effective management strategies for coronary air embolism.
- The successful outcome demonstrates the efficacy of nitroglycerin and saline infusion in treating this complication.
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