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Cholesterol embolization and arterial occlusion from the Heimlich maneuver
Alec J Pawlukiewicz1, Daniel R Merrill1, Sean A Griffiths1
1Department of Emergency Medicine, San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, 3551 Roger Brooke Dr, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, United States.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|October 10, 2020
Summary
The Heimlich maneuver can rarely cause cholesterol embolization syndrome. A case study shows a patient developed foot pain and arterial occlusion after the maneuver, requiring surgery to restore blood flow.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- The Heimlich maneuver is a critical intervention for choking emergencies.
- Cholesterol embolization syndrome (CES) is a recognized but uncommon complication of certain medical procedures.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old female presented with acute right foot pain immediately after receiving the Heimlich maneuver.
- Physical examination and diagnostic imaging revealed distal arterial occlusion in the right leg.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with cholesterol embolization syndrome, likely triggered by the Heimlich maneuver.
- Surgical intervention, including popliteal artery exploration, thrombectomy, and angioplasty, successfully restored blood flow to the affected foot.
Implications:
- This case highlights CES as a potential, albeit rare, complication of the Heimlich maneuver.
- Awareness of this complication is crucial for emergency medicine physicians and bystanders.
- Prompt surgical intervention can effectively manage CES and prevent limb loss.
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