[Zasshi] [Journal]. Nihon Kyōbu Geka Gakkai
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Nihon Kyobu Geka Gakkai Zasshi · Jul 1995
Case Reports[A case of massive air embolism during cardiopulmonary bypass].
Massive air embolism during cardiopulmonary bypass is one of the most serious complications in open heart surgery. We report such an accident, which was managed by temporary retrograde perfusion through the superior vena cava. A 59-year-old woman with severe mitral stenosis underwent mitral valve replacement. ⋯ When the accident was discovered, and until the end of the operation, deep anesthesia was induced with pentobarbital for protection of the brain. Mitral valve replacement and tricuspid annuoplasty were done in the usual way thereafter. Postoperatively, the patient had no neurologic sequelae except for transient generalized convulsions, and has returned to normal daily activities.