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Snare or Scalpel: Challenges of Intracardiac Cement Embolism Retrieval
Rayhaan Bassawon1, Sarah Sirajuddin1, Giuseppe Martucci2
1Division of Cardiac Surgery, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Faculty of Medicine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Insights
Intracardiac cement embolism is a rare complication of percutaneous vertebroplasty. This case report offers insights into managing symptomatic patients requiring cement extraction.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Cardiology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) is a minimally invasive procedure for treating vertebral compression fractures.
- Intracardiac cement embolism is a rare but serious complication following PV.
- Established management guidelines for this complication are lacking.
Observation:
- A case of intracardiac cement embolism after PV is presented.
- The patient experienced symptoms necessitating intervention.
- The management strategy focused on cement extraction.
Findings:
- The case highlights the challenges in managing intracardiac cement embolism.
- Successful extraction of the embolic material was achieved.
- The decision-making process for symptomatic patients was informed by this case.
Implications:
- This case provides valuable insights for clinicians facing similar rare complications.
- It may contribute to developing future management protocols for intracardiac cement embolism.
- Improved treatment strategies can enhance outcomes for patients requiring cement extraction.
Abstract:
Intracardiac cement embolism after percutaneous vertebroplasty is a rare, but dangerous, complication, and guiding principles for its management are not well described. The management of this present case of intracardiac cement embolism offers insight to facilitate the treatment decision-making process in symptomatic patients requiring extraction.
