Successful reversal of brain damage from iatrogenic air embolism

During an aortocoronary bypass procedure, the patient suffered an air embolism arising from technical difficulties with the extracorporeal circulatory device. Initial emergency treatment included a loading dose of thiopental concomitant to a one hour period profound hypothermia. A modified protocol for treating patients with acute head injuries was the initiated. It combined moderate hypothermia with continuous barbiturate coma for 96 hours. Brain activity in this patient returned on the third postoperative day. She recovered completely, with no detectable neurologic damage.