title: Positioning a right atrial air aspiration catheter using transesophageal echocardiography.
abstract: The occurrence of venous air embolism (VAE) during neurosurgery in the sitting position is well documented. The optimal position of an air aspiration catheter appears to be with the catheter tip at the junction of the right atrium and superior vena cava (SVC). A number of localization techniques have been described, with the electrocardiographic guided technique being the most commonly employed. This case report describes the use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for the precise and timely placement of a right atrial-SVC air aspiration catheter.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425-2207, USA.
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Reeves
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Bevis
authors.forename: B N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Bailey
mesh_terms: D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D001239:Inhalation; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging