Venous air embolus during scalp incision

Nicole Z Spence; Kathryn Faloba; Adam M Sonabend; Jeffrey N Bruce; Zirka H Anastasian

doi:10.1016/j.jocn.2015.11.019

Venous air embolus during scalp incision

J Clin Neurosci. 2016 Jun:28:170-1. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2015.11.019. Epub 2016 Jan 4.

Authors

Nicole Z Spence¹, Kathryn Faloba¹, Adam M Sonabend², Jeffrey N Bruce², Zirka H Anastasian³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Anesthesiology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University, 622 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
² Department of Neurological Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
³ Department of Anesthesiology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University, 622 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA. Electronic address: zh2114@columbia.edu.

PMID: 26765767
DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2015.11.019

Abstract

Venous air embolism (VAE) is a known complication of sitting craniotomy. Clinical consequences of VAE can range from tachypnea to cardiovascular collapse. The entrainment of air typically occurs during bone work, but we describe a case in which a VAE was recognized while working on the scalp. Monitoring techniques are critical for early treatment of VAE to avoid more serious complications, and our case illustrates the need to implement monitors early and remain vigilant throughout the procedure.

Keywords: Air embolism; Anesthesia; VAE.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Craniotomy / adverse effects
Embolism, Air / diagnosis*
Embolism, Air / etiology
Female
Humans
Middle Aged
Postoperative Complications / diagnosis
Postoperative Complications / etiology
Scalp / surgery*
Surgical Wound / complications*