Abstract

Massive Air Embolism in a Fontan Patient

Address correspondence to: Gregory S. Matte, Perfusion Clinical Coordinator, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Children’s Hospital Boston, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115. E-mail: gregory.matte@cardio.chboston.org

Received: 21 March 2011
Accepted: 6 May 2011

Abstract

Most institutions performing cardiopulmonary bypass for congenital heart disease patients use an integrated hard shell cardiotomy and venous reservoir attached to an oxygenator. It is of paramount importance that the integrated reservoir be vented so as not to cause pressurization. A pressurized sealed cardiotomy has been reported to occur secondary to issues with vacuum assisted venous drainage systems as well as improper venting in general. We report a case of air embolus caused by retrograde propulsion of air through the venous line secondary to a pressurized cardiotomy reservoir in a patient with Fontan circulation. The mechanism of cardiotomy pressurization is described, and the scenario simulated in a mock circuit.