Clinical characteristics of massive air embolism complicating left atrial ablation of atrial fibrillation: lessons from five cases

摘要: Aims This study aimed to elucidate the clinical characteristics of massive air embolism occurring during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Methods and results Of 2976 patients undergoing AF ablation, 5 complicated by serious were examined. Atrial ablation was performed with use three long sheaths for circular mapping catheters under conscious sedation. Two had spontaneously introduced through a haemostasis valve sheaths, at end apnoea caused sedation, even though placed within sheaths. The remaining patients, all whom also exhibited apnoea, entry catheter exchanges. Air accumulated in right left ventricles, appendage, coronary artery, ascending aorta. Haemodynamic collapse hypoxaemia occurred two respectively, supportive treatment aspirated. ST elevation, haemodynamic collapse, persisted 10–35 min; however, recovered completely. After we changed sedative one less respiratory depressive effects timing saline flush exchanges, never experienced such complications any further. Conclusion Serious can occur sedation Supportive therapy aspiration effective resolving complication. A that causes depression important preventing embolism.