Management of air embolism during cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass

What is it about?

This is an article that describes a case of a major complication during cardiopulmonary bypass (cerebral air embolism); It also describes a variety of strategies that were used during the intraoperative period to treat the patient. The management is fully described in the case description section of the article, and posteriorly the rationale behind the course of treatment is explained according to published literature. The authors provide a bundle of strategies suggested for the treatment of this complication in order to help other providers in case they are in a case similar to that presented in the article.

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Why is it important?

Since it is a rare event, providers might not be familiarized with the course of action and the treatment options available for the treatment of air embolism during cardiopulmonary bypass. This article summarizes and discusses these options and provides a broad source of information to prepare the surgeons, anesthesiologist and perfusionist for a complication such as this.

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