Air embolization of a left ventricular assist device in a child: an unusual case of a tension pneumothorax resulting in a fatal complication. (25th June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jaworski, Radoslaw; Kansy, Andrzej; Maruszewski, Bohdan
• Is Part Of: European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery. Volume 57:Number 1(2020)
• Page Start: 193
• Page End: 194
• Publication Date: 2019-06-25
• Subjects: Left ventricle assist device -- Children -- Berlin Heart EXCOR -- Air embolization -- Tension pneumothorax; Heart -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Chest -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.54
• DOI: 10.1093/ejcts/ezz195
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1010-7940

Abstract

Abstract: Our goal was to describe a fatal air embolization that probably occurred through an inflow cannula implantation site as a result of a tension pneumothorax in a child with a left ventricular assist device. This is the first case that highlights the possibility of a left ventricular assist device air embolism in a child with a pneumothorax, especially a tension pneumothorax. The risk of air embolism increases with positive pressure in the pleural and pericardial cavities.