ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Air embolism is a well-published complication arising from central venous catheter use. Literature and case studies provide information regarding clinical sequelae. Preventable mistakes still occur despite following what is considered appropriate protocol. This case report describes the neurological complications likely caused by a cerebral air embolism related to central venous catheter removal. CASE: An 84-year-old man was admitted to the neuroscience critical care unit with acute stroke symptoms and seizures after removal of a central venous catheter. CONCLUSION: There is an abundance of literature describing best practice, complications, and treatment of venous air embolism associated with central line catheter use. Utilization of central venous catheters is increasing. With increased utilization comes the responsibility to improve commonplace knowledge and ensure that practice guidelines and protocols are dependable and consistent.
Subject(s)
Catheterization, Central Venous/nursing , Catheters, Indwelling/adverse effects , Community-Acquired Infections/nursing , Device Removal/nursing , Embolism, Air/nursing , Intracranial Embolism/nursing , Pneumonia, Bacterial/nursing , Sepsis/nursing , Aged, 80 and over , Catheterization, Central Venous/adverse effects , Catheterization, Central Venous/instrumentation , Comorbidity , Device Removal/adverse effects , Device Removal/instrumentation , Guideline Adherence , Humans , Male , Resuscitation OrdersABSTRACT
A malfunction of an oxygenator pumphead during aortocoronary bypass surgery is described. Corrections were made and the operation proceeded without further incident. Although this malfunction is extremely rare, it is reviewed in detail to alert perfusionists to the possibility of such an occurrence.
ABSTRACT
A comparison was made of the S-070 Pediatric Bubble Oxygenator, which was unreliable above flow rates of approximately 1.5 L/min, with a modified S-070A, which proved to be extremely efficient to flow rates of 2.5 L/min.
ABSTRACT
The clinical evaluation of the Sarns Air-Bubble Detector System in over 4,000 assorted operative procedures using cardiopulmonary bypass is described in this report. The system is designed to produce an alarm when a bolus of air enters the circuit. False alarms caused by electrical static within the operating room can be eliminated with a filter incorporated into the electrical circuit.
ABSTRACT
Two cases of intracranial aneurysm are discussed in relation to surgical management. The superiority of vena cavae/ascending aorta to femoral vein/femoral artery cannulation is indicated, thus minimizing ventricular fibrillation and myocardial damage.
