Intracoronary air embolism in open heart surgery--an uncommon source of myocardial ischaemia

Int J Cardiol. 2006 Oct 10;112(3):e85-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2006.02.040. Epub 2006 Aug 2.

Abstract

We report a case of air embolism detected by transesophageal echocardiography in a patient undergoing open heart surgery for acute mitral regurgitation. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography revealed an increased brightness of the apical wall and a severely compromised left ventricular myocardium with severe diffuse hypokinesis after removal of the aortic cross clamps and spontaneous resolution in the control echocardiography.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Coronary Vessels*
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal
  • Electrocardiography
  • Embolism, Air / complications
  • Embolism, Air / diagnostic imaging
  • Embolism, Air / etiology*
  • Embolism, Air / physiopathology
  • Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / complications
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping
  • Intraoperative Period
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mitral Valve Insufficiency / surgery
  • Myocardial Ischemia / etiology*
  • Myocardial Ischemia / therapy