What Researchers Did
This case report describes how veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was used to treat a 53-year-old female patient suffering from severe venous air embolism (VAE).
What They Found
A 53-year-old female patient with venous air embolism, who had air visible in her right ventricle and pulmonary artery and whose condition deteriorated despite initial treatments, showed gradual improvement after veno-arterial ECMO was applied. She was successfully weaned from ECMO and extubated within two days.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified. The study does not cover a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).
Study Limitations
As a single case report, this study's findings are limited to one patient and cannot be generalized to all patients with venous air embolism.