Case Report Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1983

Management of massive air embolism during open-heart surgery with retrograde perfusion of the cerebral vessels and hyperbaric oxygenation

Toscano M, Chiavarelli R, Ruvolo G, Macchiarelli A, Scibilia G, Marino B — Thorac Cardiovasc Surg, 1983

View Original on PubMed PMID 6192530

Tier 2, Indexed

Automatically imported from PubMed based on relevance criteria.

Summary

What Researchers Did

Researchers treated two adult patients who experienced massive air embolism during open-heart surgery by using retrograde perfusion and immediate hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

What They Found

Both patients made a complete recovery after receiving the combined treatment. They were discharged from the hospital with no lasting health problems attributable to the air embolism incident.

Canadian Relevance

This study covers arterial gas embolism, which is a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Study Limitations

As a case report involving only two patients, this study's findings cannot be generalized to a larger population without further research.

This plain-language summary is generated with AI assistance and checked against the source abstract before publication. See our editorial policy.

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Study Details

Study Type	Case Report
Category	Decompression Sickness
Source	Pubmed
PubMed ID	6192530
Year Published	1983
Journal	Thorac Cardiovasc Surg
MeSH Terms	Adult; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Embolism, Air; Female; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Intracranial Embolism and Thrombosis; Middle Aged; Perfusion

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This study relates to Decompression Sickness. Read the full clinical overview, the evidence base, and Canadian treatment access for this condition.

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Disclaimer: This study summary is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. The information presented reflects the findings of the original research authors and may not represent the views of Canada Hyperbarics. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.

Last reviewed: April 17, 2026 | Reviewed by: Canada Hyperbarics Editorial Team | Editorial process | Research sources | Counts & methodology