Persistent systemic air embolism and delayed pulmonary hemorrhage after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass--a case report.
Systemic air embolism (SAE) occurring during cardiac surgery is usually associated with high morbidity and mortality. We present a fatal case of persistent SAE identified by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Perplexities in identification of a bronchovascular fistula and hesitation in aggressive management to arrest the resultant continuous air entry into systemic circulation caused death as an aftermath. Related instances in literature have been reviewed and appropriate managements are herein discussed.
Lee
Lin
L
Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Lin
Su-Man
SM
Chao
Yuh-Huey
YH
Chu
Chi-Chun
CC
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000209:etiology*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male