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HYPERBARIC OXYGEN IN POST‐CARDIAC SURGERY STROKE PATIENTS – THE CHRISTCHURCH EXPERIENCE
Author(s) -
Gibson A. J.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
anz journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.426
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 1445-1433
DOI - 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2007.04115_29.x
Subject(s) - medicine , hyperbaric oxygen , air embolism , stroke (engine) , etiology , scuba diving , embolism , cardiac surgery , presentation (obstetrics) , intensive care medicine , surgery , complication , mechanical engineering , oceanography , engineering , geology
Post‐operative strokes occur in a small percentage of adult cardiac surgical patients and have devastating consequences for these patients. There is evidence to suggest that Cerebral Arterial Gas Embolism (CAGE) is an important aetiological factor in most of these cases. Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the administration of 100% oxygen at greater than atmospheric pressure. It is accepted as the definitive treatment for CAGE related to SCUBA diving accidents. The similarities between this and the pathophysiology of post cardiac‐surgical strokes due to iatrogenic CAGE suggest that beneficial effects from HBOT may accrue to these patients. Purpose The purpose of this study is to review the experience of treating post cardiac‐surgical stroke patients in our local hyperbaric oxygen facility, including their presentation, delay before treatment and outcomes. The current evidence base is reviewed. Method A retrospective case series analysis was conducted. Results Over a 10 year period, patients with post cardiac‐surgical strokes and who presented within the first 48 hours were referred for HBOT, of whom 12 were treated. The neurological outcomes were excellent in all but one case who died. A review of the literature provides a rational basis for the potential benefits of HBOT in this scenario, but at present there is only limited clinical data to support its use. Conclusion The postulated mechanisms for the development of post cardiac‐surgical strokes provide a sound theoretical basis for the suggestion that the use of HBOT is associated with improved outcomes. However there is no prospective data to support such a claim. Such a trial would be problematic and until more evidence is available, HBOT should be considered on a case by case basis.