Massive Systemic and Pulmonary Air Embolism During Atrial Septal Defect Device Closure Managed Successfully by Catheter Aspiration.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Massive air embolism is an uncommon complication during device closure of secundum atrial septal defect (ASD).

Case summary

A 60-year-old woman with a large 31-mm ASD with an inadequate inferior-posterior rim was taken for device closure. During initial attempts, the patient developed a massive pulmonary and systemic air embolism with hemodynamic compromise. It was managed with head-low position, pigtail catheter aspiration, intravenous dobutamine infusion, and mechanical ventilation. ASD was successfully closed with a 34-mm device with the modified deployment technique.

Discussion

Massive vascular air embolism is mostly iatrogenic and has been associated with 26% to 45% mortality in noncatheterization lab setting. Massive air embolism during cardiac cath

SUBMITTER: Patil N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12539447 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature