BioGlue^® coronary embolism during open heart surgery

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiac Surgery
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Iatrogenic coronary embolism, often from air bubbles or foreign bodies during cardiac procedures, can cause severe adverse events.
• Surgical adhesives, such as BioGlue, are critical in cardiac repair but carry a risk of causing embolic events if inadvertently introduced into coronary arteries.

Observation:

• A patient undergoing surgical repair of aortic dissection developed acute myocardial infarction and shock.
• The cause was identified as coronary embolism resulting from the surgical adhesive, BioGlue.

Findings:

• The patient's condition was successfully treated by retrieving the BioGlue material using a thrombectomy catheter.
• This case highlights a rare but critical complication of using surgical adhesives in cardiac surgery.

Implications:

• Prompt diagnosis and intervention are essential for managing BioGlue-induced coronary embolism.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration between cardiac surgeons and cardiologists is vital for optimal patient outcomes in such rare complications.