RÉSUMÉ
Air embolism during extracorporeal circulation is a life-threatening complication, requiring immediate response. During a recent case, brain damage was avoided using hypothermic retrograde cerebral perfusion, connecting the arterial line to superior vena cava cannula. Perfusion lasted 5 minutes at flow of 200ml/min. The patient had complete recovery and was discharged with normal neurologic status. The technique employed is described and steps for a face this accident are proposed
Embolia gasosa durante circulação extracorpórea (CEC) em cirurgia cardíaca é uma complicação potencialmente fatal, requerendo imediata intervenção. Num caso recente, foi empregado a perfusão cerebral retrógrada hipotérmica para tratamento dessa complicação, conectando-se a linha arterial da CEC à cânula da veia cava superior. A perfusão foi conduzida com fluxo de 200ml/min, por 5min. A paciente apresentou boa recuperação e teve alta hospitalar no 7° PO, com exame neurológico normal. A técnica empregada é descrita e os procedimentos para enfrentar essa complicação são propostos. Hypothermic Retrograde Cerebral Perfusion for Treatment of Air Embolism During Extracorporeal Circulation Air embolism during extracorporeal circulation is a life-threatening complication, requiring imediate response. During a recent case, brain damage was avoided using hypothermic retrograde cerebral perfusion, connecting the arterial line to superior vena cava cannula. Perfusion lasted 5 minutes at flow of 200ml/min. The panent had complete recovery and was discharged with normal neurologic status. The technique employed is described and steps for to face this accident are proposed