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Venous air embolism (VAE) associated with stereotactic biopsies
Hiroshi Ooba1, Tatsuya Abe, Yasutomo Momii
1Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, 1-1 Idaigaoka, Hasamamachi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan, ohba@oita-u.ac.jp.
Acta Neurochirurgica
|October 10, 2013
Summary
Stereotactic biopsies pose a risk of venous air embolism (VAE), a serious complication. Surgeons should be vigilant for VAE, particularly when the patient
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Venous air embolism (VAE) is a recognized complication of neurosurgical procedures.
- Stereotactic biopsies, a subset of neurosurgery, also carry a risk of VAE.
- This study investigates the incidence and risk factors of VAE following stereotactic biopsies.
Observation:
- Symptomatic VAE was defined by paroxysmal coughing and associated symptoms.
- Radiographic VAE was identified by air in venous structures on postoperative CT scans.
- A high head angle during procedures was observed to correlate with VAE incidence.
Findings:
- The incidence of symptomatic VAE after stereotactic biopsies was 8.3% (3/36).
- Radiographic VAE was detected in 13.8% (5/36) of patients post-procedure.
- Patient head positioning at a high angle was associated with an increased risk of VAE.
Implications:
- VAE is a significant adverse event associated with stereotactic biopsies, potentially requiring surgical intervention or termination.
- Awareness of VAE risk is crucial for neurosurgeons performing stereotactic biopsies.
- Careful patient positioning, especially avoiding high head angles, may mitigate VAE risk.
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