Banks Thomas A, Manetta Frank, Glick Mark, Graver L Michael
Long Island Jewish Medical Center, North Shore-LIJ Health System, New Hyde Park, New York 11040, USA.
Ann Thorac Surg. 2002 Jan;73(1):296-7. doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(01)02855-7.
Gas embolism is a known complication of minimal access procedures in which carbon dioxide insufflation is used. We report a case of significant venous and right heart gas embolization, which occurred during performance of routine minimally invasive vein harvesting. This was manifest by hemodynamic deterioration secondary to transmission by a patent foramen ovale into the left heart and coronary circulation. Techniques to predict, diagnose, and prevent this rare but potentially fatal complication of minimally invasive vein harvesting are suggested.
