What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed their experience with hyperbaric oxygen therapy for 17 patients who experienced massive arterial air embolism during cardiac operations between 1985 and 1998.
What They Found
Of 17 patients, 8 (47.1%) achieved complete neurologic recovery, 6 (35.3%) remained unconscious, and 3 (17.6%) died. A shorter delay to hyperbaric oxygen therapy was significantly associated with better outcomes; patients with full recovery received treatment in an average of 4.0 hours, compared to 12.8 hours for those with severe disability and 18.0 hours for those who died (P = .002). All 5 patients treated within 3 hours achieved full recovery, while only 1 of 8 patients treated after 9-20 hours did.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients experiencing massive arterial air embolism during cardiac operations, prompt access to hyperbaric oxygen therapy could significantly improve neurologic recovery. Rapid transfer to a specialized center for treatment within a few hours of the event appears critical for the best possible outcome.
Canadian Relevance
This study was conducted in Israel and has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
This study is limited by its retrospective, single-center design and small sample size of 17 patients.