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Acta Neurochirurgica

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01-02-2014 | Case Report - Neurosurgical Techniques

Venous air embolism (VAE) associated with stereotactic biopsies

Authors: Hiroshi Ooba, Tatsuya Abe, Yasutomo Momii, Minoru Fujiki

Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica | Issue 2/2014

Abstract

Background

Venous air embolism (VAE) is a serious potential complication of neurosurgical procedures. Stereotactic biopsies can also cause VAE; therefore, we evaluated VAE patients to call attention to the risk of VAE associated with stereotactic biopsies.

Methods

In this report, symptomatic VAE was defined as paroxysmal coughing with associated symptoms. Air in the dural sinus, cortical vein and/or pterygoid plexus on postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans was considered to be a radiographic VAE.

Results

Three patients developed symptomatic VAE following 36 stereotactic biopsies, and the incidence of symptomatic VAE was 8.3 % (3/36). There were five patients with evidence of radiographic VAE on postoperative CT scans, with an incidence of 13.8 % (5/36). A high angle of the head seemed to be associated with VAE, allowing air to flow into the central venous system.

Conclusions

The present report emphasizes that VAE should be recognized as an important adverse effect of stereotactic biopsies because VAE occasionally requires additional treatment and/or termination of surgery. Surgeons must be aware of the possibility of VAE, especially when it is necessary to position the patient’s head at a high angle.

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Title: Venous air embolism (VAE) associated with stereotactic biopsies
Authors: Hiroshi Ooba
Tatsuya Abe
Yasutomo Momii
Minoru Fujiki
Publication date: 01-02-2014
Publisher: Springer Vienna
Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica / Issue 2/2014
Print ISSN: 0001-6268
Electronic ISSN: 0942-0940
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-013-1903-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Venous air embolism (VAE) associated with stereotactic biopsies

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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