Carbon dioxide embolism during endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting in coronary artery bypass surgery
Journal
Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
Journal Volume
126
Journal Issue
6
Pages
2011-2015
Date Issued
2003
Author(s)
Abstract
Our objectives were to determine the incidence and severity and the time course of the CO(2) embolism during endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting with CO(2) insufflation in coronary artery bypass surgery with transesophageal echocardiography monitoring. Four hundred three consecutive patients scheduled for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery or femoral-to-popliteal artery bypass grafting surgery were prospectively studied. Multiplane transesophageal echocardiography with a new transgastric view was used to monitor CO(2) bubbles in the inferior vena cava and hepatic vein. CO(2) embolisms occurred in 17.1% of patients. Minimal, moderate, and massive CO(2) embolisms occurred in 13.1%, 3.5%, and 0.5%, respectively. The occurrence of moderate and massive CO(2) embolisms was frequently associated with the surgical manipulation of branches of saphenous veins. No significant risk factors were identified in multiple logistic regression analysis. The incidence of significant CO(2) embolism during endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting with CO(2) insufflation procedures was more than 4%. Continuous transesophageal echocardiographic monitoring of the CO(2) bubbles in the inferior vena cava is essential in early detection and can help to prevent the development of significant CO(2) embolisms in these patients.
SDGs
Publisher
Mosby Inc.
Type
journal article