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Canadian Journal of Anesthesia, Vol 29, 272-274, Copyright © 1982 by Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society

Systemic Air Embolism Following Manual Lung Inflation

J. A. TRACEY 1 and V. VARTIAN 1

1 Department of Anaesthesia, The Montreal General Hospital and McGill University; The Montreal General Hospital, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1A4

A case is reported in which a young man undergoing exploratory thoracotomy following a gunshot wound had a cardiac arrest during reinflation of the collapsed lung. Systemic air embolism was suspected as the cause. Subsequent neurological examination and C.T. scan demonstrated a lesion ascribable to this. Discontinuation of nitrous oxide, aspiration of left heart chambers and a head-down position are recommended as immediate treatment if this diagnosis is made. In cases with piercing lung trauma high inflation pressures should be avoided to prevent embolism.

Note:

Present Address: Senior Registrar, Department of Anaesthesia, Dr. Steevens Hospital, Steevens Lane, Dublin 8 Ireland.

Key Words: COMPLICATIONS, air embolism, chest trauma






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Copyright © 1982 by the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society.