Massive Air Embolism During Interventional Laser Therapy of the Liver: Successful Resuscitation Without Chest Compression

Journal Article · Thu Aug 15 00:00:00 EDT 2002 · Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/S00270-002-1909-X· OSTI ID:21083424

Helmberger, Thomas K ^[1]; Roth, Ute ^[2]; Empen, Klaus ^[3]

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1. Institute of Clinical Radiology, University of Munich, Klinikum Grosshadern, Marchioninistrasse 15, D-81377, Munich (Germany)
2. Institute of Anesthesiology, University of Munich, Klinikum Grosshadern, Marchioninistrasse 15, D-81377, Munich (Germany)
3. Medical Department II, University ofMunich, Klinikum Grosshadern, Marchioninistrasse 15, D-81377, Munich (Germany)

We report on a rare, acute, life-threatening complication during percutaneous thermal therapy for hepatic metastases. Massive cardiac air embolism occurred during a maneuver of deep inspiration after the dislodgement of an introducer sheath into a hepatic vein. The subsequent cardiac arrest was treated successfully by immediate transthoracic evacuation of the air by needle aspiration followed by electrical defibrillation. In procedures that may be complicated by gas embolism, cardiopulmonary resuscitation should not be initiated before considering the likelihood of air embolism, and eventually aspiration of the gas.

• OSTI ID: 21083424
• Journal Information: Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Vol. 25, Issue 4; Other Information: DOI: 10.1007/s00270-002-1909-x; Copyright (c) 2002 Springer-Verlag New York, Inc; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0174-1551
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
CHEST
COMPRESSION
FIRST AID
LASERS
LIVER
VASCULAR DISEASES
VEINS