Case report: Cerebral air embolization in the electrophysiology laboratory during transseptal catheterization: curative treatment of acute left hemiparesis with prompt hyperbaric oxygen therapy

We present a case of a 44 year-old man with medically refractory symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in whom the initial attempt at left atrial catheter ablation was complicated by coronary and cerebral arterial air embolization during transseptal catheter exchange. The manifestations, manage...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of interventional cardiac electrophysiology 2006-08, Vol.16 (2), p.105-109
Main Authors: Mofrad, Pirooz, Choucair, Wassim, Hulme, Pamela, Moore, Hans
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Atrial Fibrillation - therapy
Catheter Ablation - adverse effects
Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac - adverse effects
Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac - methods
Embolism, Air - etiology
Embolism, Air - therapy
Humans
Hyperbaric Oxygenation
Intracranial Embolism - etiology
Intracranial Embolism - therapy
Intraoperative Complications - therapy
Male
Paresis - etiology
Paresis - therapy
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Summary:We present a case of a 44 year-old man with medically refractory symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in whom the initial attempt at left atrial catheter ablation was complicated by coronary and cerebral arterial air embolization during transseptal catheter exchange. The manifestations, management, and long term outcomes are detailed. Following the case report is a review of published reports and contemporary management strategies for treatment of acute air embolization. Dramatic clinical consequences can be aborted by prompt intervention including volume loading, oxygenation, lidocaine, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
ISSN:1383-875X