Venoarterial air embolus: a complication of vacuum-assisted venous drainage.
Minimal access techniques with cardiopulmonary bypass use smaller cannula systems for management of cardiopulmonary bypass. To augment flow rates through the smaller cannula, the technique of vacuum-assisted venous drainage has been used. We describe a complication of vacuum-assisted venous drainage by inadvertent positive pressurization of the venous circuit resulting in a paradoxic air embolus across a patent atrial septal defect. Hazards of the current cardiopulmonary bypass systems and techniques for avoiding this potential complication are discussed.
Davila
R M
RM
Cardiopulmonary Research Science Technology, Institute, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Rawles
T
T
Mack
M J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D004322:Drainage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D011667:Pulmonary Veins / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome