Carbon dioxide embolism during minimally invasive vein harvesting

Ann Thorac Surg. 2002 Jan;73(1):296-7. doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(01)02855-7.

Abstract

Gas embolism is a known complication of minimal access procedures in which carbon dioxide insufflation is used. We report a case of significant venous and right heart gas embolization, which occurred during performance of routine minimally invasive vein harvesting. This was manifest by hemodynamic deterioration secondary to transmission by a patent foramen ovale into the left heart and coronary circulation. Techniques to predict, diagnose, and prevent this rare but potentially fatal complication of minimally invasive vein harvesting are suggested.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Coronary Artery Bypass
  • Coronary Disease / complications
  • Coronary Disease / surgery
  • Embolism, Air / etiology*
  • Embolism, Air / therapy
  • Endoscopy / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / complications
  • Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / surgery
  • Humans
  • Mitral Valve Insufficiency / complications
  • Mitral Valve Insufficiency / surgery
  • Saphenous Vein / surgery*
  • Saphenous Vein / transplantation
  • Specimen Handling / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Carbon Dioxide