What Researchers Did
Researchers described two patients who experienced cerebral air embolism after cardiac ablation procedures.
What They Found
Both patients experienced neurologic impairment after cerebral air embolism complicating cardiac ablation. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and aggressive resuscitation appeared to contribute to the recovery of both patients.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients undergoing cardiac ablation should be aware of the rare but serious risk of cerebral air embolism. If this complication occurs, timely and aggressive treatment, potentially including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, may improve outcomes.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
A significant limitation is the small sample size, as this study describes only two cases.