title: Paradoxical air embolism during percutaneous nephrolithotomy due to patent foramen ovale: Case report.
abstract: Paradoxical air embolism is a very rare complication associated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Incidence may be higher if patients also suffer from a septal heart defect. We report the case of a 76-year old male who presented for PCNL treatment of a right kidney lower calyceal calculus. During the procedure, the patient developed signs and symptoms consistent with that of air embolism. Intraoperative echocardiography confirmed the diagnosis. Subsequent intraoperative and postoperative medical management was carried out and the patient was discharged after recovery three days later. This case highlights the importance of a rare but potentially fatal complication of PCNL.
authors.affiliation: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC;
authors.forename: Daljeet
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chahal
authors.affiliation: McMaster University, Hamilton, ON;
authors.forename: Vladimir
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ruzhynsky
authors.affiliation: Victoria, BC;
authors.forename: Iain
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: McAuley
authors.affiliation: Victoria, BC;
authors.forename: Desmond
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sweeney
authors.affiliation: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC;
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sobkin
authors.affiliation: Victoria, BC;
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kinahan
authors.affiliation: Kelowna, BC.
authors.forename: Rich
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gardiner
authors.affiliation: Kelowna, BC.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kinahan