Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
07:44
A Porcine Model of Acute Autologous Pulmonary Embolism
Published on: September 6, 2024
[Venous air emboli in a 4 year old child]
J Neidecker1, B Blaise, J Ninet
1Service d'anesthésie-réanimation, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Louis Pradel, 28, avenue Doyen Lépine, 69500 Bron, France. jean.neidecker@chu- lyon.fr
Annales Francaises D'Anesthesie Et De Reanimation
|June 23, 2012
Summary
A pediatric surgery for nephroblastoma involving the inferior vena cava resulted in venous air embolism. Transcranial Doppler monitoring may help prevent this complication in similar complex tumor resections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- A 4-year-old girl presented with a nephroblastoma extending into the inferior vena cava (IVC).
- Surgical resection required cardiopulmonary bypass and a large opening in the IVC.
Observation:
- Following tumor resection, bilateral mydriasis was observed.
- A CT scan confirmed massive venous air embolism.
Findings:
- The likely cause of air embolism was retrograde entry through the large IVC opening during tumor removal.
- No other cause for the air embolism was identified.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential risk of venous air embolism during complex IVC tumor resections in pediatric patients.
- Implementing transcranial Doppler monitoring during such procedures could aid in early detection and prevention of air embolism.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
01:19Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...
01:30Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
Nursing management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's health history. Key factors include trauma to veins, peripherally inserted central catheters, varicose veins, recent pregnancy or childbirth, surgery, bacteremia, prolonged bed rest, atrial fibrillation, COPD, heart failure, cancer, coagulation disorders, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, stroke, prolonged travel, recent bone fractures, and dehydration. Review medication intake, particularly oral contraceptives,...
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
01:30Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...