Recognition And Treatment Of Hypoxia Secondary To Venous Air Embolism

Authors

Andrew Lee, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine Medical Student
Sinziana Constaninescu, Beaumont Health Resident
Roy G. Soto, Beaumont Health

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-24-2022

Abstract

A 79-year-old male presented for a left parietal craniotomy and meningioma resection. During dural exposure, the patient’s SpO2 and EtCO2 both dropped suddenly. The surgeon was promptly notified and he flooded the field with saline while we increased our oxygen and flows and placed the patient in trendelenburg position. An ABG drawn at the time revealed a PCO2 of 53 while the EtCO2 reading was 27; a gradient suggesting an increase in dead space secondary to venous air embolism. We will discuss the mechanism of dead space secondary to VAE, clinical presentation and management.

Comments

American Society of Anesthesiology Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, October 21-25, 2022.

Recommended Citation

Lee A, Constantinescu S, Soto R. Recognition and treatment of hypoxia secondary to venous air embolism. Presented at: American Society of Anesthesiology Annual Meeting; 2022 Oct 21-25; New Orleans, LA.