title: Possible venous argon gas embolism complicating argon gas enhanced coagulation during liver surgery.
abstract: We report a case of a major venous argon embolism during argon beam coagulation of a liver biopsy. The essential signs were an abrupt reduction in end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure, in SpO2 and in systolic arterial pressure, at the time of coagulation. Spontaneous recovery was observed within 10 min. Precautions in respect of usage are highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Service d'anesthésie-réanimation, Hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, Hôpital de Hautepierre, France.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Stojeba
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mahoudeau
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Segura
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Steib
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001128:Argon / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001706:Biopsy; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007022:Hypotension / Q000209:etiology; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D010313:Partial Pressure; D013990:Tidal Volume
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D001128:Argon; D010100:Oxygen