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Air Embolism in Cardiac Surgery: Incidence and Prophylaxis 1
Author(s) -
NICKS ROWAN
Publication year - 1969
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.111
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 0004-8682
DOI - 10.1111/j.1445-2197.1972.tb05648.x
Subject(s) - medicine , air embolism , incidence (geometry) , pulmonary embolism , atelectasis , embolism , complication , cardiac surgery , surgery , lung , physics , optics
This is a brief review of some of the physiological consequences of air embolism, followed by a discussion of the results of a comparative study between two consecutive series of patients, the first prior to the introduction of the strict routines now practised, and the second after this had been introduced. The techniques in current use for prophylaxis against air embolism are presented. Summary The incidence and outcome of systemic air embolism occurring in 520 patients have been estimated from records of cerebral disturbance. Two series of patients are compared, the first prior to the introduction of strictly planned “debubbling”, and the second after this time. The comparisons shows a marked fall in the incidence and severity of this complication in the recent series. Techniques used for removal of air in specific operations have been presented. Pulmonary air embolism has been discussed. While no direct relationship between bilateral atelectasis and pulmonary air embolism has been shown, there is a strong probability that it has been in the past responsible for this, at least in some part and in conjunction with other factors.