CardioNerds Critical Care Cardiology Council members Dr. Gurleen Kaur and Dr. Katie Vanchiere meet with Dr. Yash Patel, Dr. Akanksha, and Dr. Mohammed El Nayir from Trinity Health Ann Arbor. They discuss a case of pulmonary air embolism, RV failure, and cardiac arrest secondary to an ocular venous air embolism. Expert insights provided by Dr. Tanmay Swadia. Audio editing by CardioNerds Academy intern, Grace Qiu.
A 36-year-old man with a history of multiple ocular surgeries, including a complex retinal detachment repair, suffered a post-vitrectomy collapse at home. He was found hypoxic, tachycardic, and hypotensive, later diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism from ocular venous air embolism leading to severe right heart failure. Despite a mild embolic burden, the cardiovascular response was profound, requiring advanced hemodynamic support, including an Impella RP device (Abiomed, Inc.). Multidisciplinary management, including fluid optimization, vasopressors and mechanical support to facilitate recovery. This case underscores the need for early recognition and individualized intervention in cases of ocular venous air embolism.
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Pearls- Clear Vision, Clouded Heart: Ocular Venous Air Embolism with Pulmonary Air Embolism, RV Failure, and Cardiac Arrest
Hypoxia, hypotension and tachycardia in a patient following ocular instrumentation are classic findings suggestive of pulmonary embolism from possible air embolism.
The diagnosis of RV failure is based on clinical presentation, echocardiographic findings (such as McConnell’s sign), and invasive hemodynamic assessment via right heart catheterization.
Mechanical circulatory support can be considered as a temporary measure for patients with refractory RV failure.
Central Figure: Approach to Pulmonary Embolism with Acute RV Failure
Notes - Clear Vision, Clouded Heart: Ocular Venous Air Embolism with Pulmonary Air Embolism, RV Failure, and Cardiac Arrest
1. What is an Ocular Venous Air Embolism (VAE), and how can it be managed in critically ill patients?
An Ocular Venous Air Embolism is defined as the entry of air into the systemic venous circulation through the ocular venous circulation, often during vitrectomy procedures. Early diagnosis is key to preventing cardiovascular collapse in cases of Ocular Venous Air Embolism (VAE).
The goal is to stop further air entry. This can be done by covering the surgical site with saline-soaked dressings and checking for air entry points.
Adjusting the operating table can help, especially with a reverse Trendelenburg position for lower-body procedures.
The moment VAE is suspected, discontinue nitrous oxide and switch to 100% oxygen. This helps with oxygenation, speeds up nitrogen elimination, and shrinks air bubbles.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can reduce bubble size and improve oxygenation, especially in cases of cerebral air embolism, when administered within 6 hours of the incident.
Though delayed hyperbaric oxygen therapy can still offer benefits, the evidence is mixed.
VAE increases right heart strain, so inotropic agents like dobutamine can help boost cardiac output, while norepinephrine supports ventricular function and systemic vascular resistance, but this may also worsen pulmonary resistance.
Aspiration of air via multi-orifice or Swan-Ganz catheters has limited success, with success rates ranging from 6% to 16%. In contrast, the Bunegin-Albin catheter has shown more promise, with a 30-60% success rate. Catheterization for acute VAE-induced hemodynamic compromise is controversial, and there's insufficient evidence to support its ...