title: Carbon dioxide embolism during minimally invasive vein harvesting.
abstract: Gas embolism is a known complication of minimal access procedures in which carbon dioxide insufflation is used. We report a case of significant venous and right heart gas embolization, which occurred during performance of routine minimally invasive vein harvesting. This was manifest by hemodynamic deterioration secondary to transmission by a patent foramen ovale into the left heart and coronary circulation. Techniques to predict, diagnose, and prevent this rare but potentially fatal complication of minimally invasive vein harvesting are suggested.
authors.affiliation: Long Island Jewish Medical Center, North Shore-LIJ Health System, New Hyde Park, New York 11040, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Banks
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Manetta
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Glick
authors.forename: L Michael
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Graver
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008944:Mitral Valve Insufficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000601:surgery* / Q000637:transplantation; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide