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Cerebral air embolization in the Electrophysiology Laboratory during Transseptal Catheterization: Curative treatment of acute left hemiparesis with prompt hyperbaric oxygen therapy

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Abstract

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cardiology Associates, Christus Spohn Shoreline Medical Center, Corpus Christi, TX, USA

    Wassim Choucair & Hans Moore

  2. Division of Cardiology, Georgetown University, Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, 50 Irving Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20422, USA

    Pirooz Mofrad & Hans Moore

  3. Christus Spohn Shoreline Medical Center, Corpus Christi, TX, USA

    Pamela Hulme

Authors
  1. Pirooz Mofrad
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  2. Wassim Choucair
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  3. Pamela Hulme
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  4. Hans Moore
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Correspondence to Hans Moore.

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Mofrad, P., Choucair, W., Hulme, P. et al. Cerebral air embolization in the Electrophysiology Laboratory during Transseptal Catheterization: Curative treatment of acute left hemiparesis with prompt hyperbaric oxygen therapy. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 16, 105–109 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10840-006-9023-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10840-006-9023-7

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