What Researchers Did
This study describes a single case of a 58-year-old man who developed a severe air embolism during an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure.
What They Found
The patient, who had previously undergone a Whipple procedure, experienced a sudden drop in vital signs and loss of consciousness due to extensive air embolism during his ERCP. He received immediate hyperbaric oxygen therapy and supportive care, which led to a gradual recovery. Imaging confirmed that the widespread air embolism resolved with continued treatment.
Canadian Relevance
The study authors are not Canadian. However, systemic air embolism is a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
As a case report, this study describes the experience of only one patient, which limits how broadly its findings can be applied to other patients.