Extensive asymptomatic pulmonary air embolism during CRT-implantation

Acta Cardiol. 2012 Oct;67(5):593-4. doi: 10.1080/ac.67.5.2174136.

Abstract

This report presents a case of pulmonary air embolism during implantation of a cardiac resynchronisation therapy system. For left ventricular pacing the thinnest available coronary sinus lead was used in association with a standard subclavian vein introducer sheath. It is hypothesised that the difference of size between the small lead diameter and the subclavian vein introducer sheath may have predisposed to air entry into the venous system.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Defibrillators, Implantable*
  • Embolism, Air / diagnostic imaging
  • Embolism, Air / etiology*
  • Fluoroscopy
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Complications*
  • Male
  • Prosthesis Implantation / adverse effects*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Embolism / etiology*