Coronary air embolism

Coronary Angiography
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General Principles Overview Historical Perspective Contraindications Appropriate Use Criteria for Revascularization Complications Technique Film Quality
Anatomy & Projection Angles
Normal Anatomy Coronary arteries Dominance Right System Left System Left Main Left Anterior Descending Circumflex Median Ramus
Anatomic Variants Separate Ostia Anomalous Origins Case Example Fistula
Projection Angles Standard Views Left Coronary Artery Right Coronary Artery
Epicardial Flow & Myocardial Perfusion
Epicardial Flow TIMI Frame Count TIMI Flow Grade TIMI Grade 0 Flow TIMI Grade 1 Flow TIMI Grade 2 Flow TIMI Grade 3 Flow TIMI Grade 4 Flow Pulsatile Flow Deceleration
Myocardial Perfusion TIMI Myocardial Perfusion Grade TMP Grade 0 TMP Grade 0.5 TMP Grade 1 TMP Grade 2 TMP Grade 3
Lesion Complexity
ACC/AHA Lesion-Specific Classification of the Primary Target Stenosis
Preprocedural Lesion Morphology Eccentricity Irregularity Ulceration Intimal Flap Aneurysm Sawtooth Pattern Length Ostial location Angulation Proximal tortuosity Degenerated SVG Calcification Total occlusion Coronary Artery Thrombus TIMI Thrombus Grade TIMI Thrombus Grade 0 TIMI Thrombus Grade 1 TIMI Thrombus Grade 2 TIMI Thrombus Grade 3 TIMI Thrombus Grade 4 TIMI Thrombus Grade 5 TIMI Thrombus Grade 6
Lesion Morphology Quantitative Coronary Angiography Definitions of Preprocedural Lesion Morphology Irregular Lesion Disease Extent Arterial Foreshortening Infarct Related Artery Restenosis Degenerated SVG Collaterals Aneurysm Bifurcation Trifurcation Ulceration
Left ventriculography
Technique Quantification of LV Function Quantification of Mitral Regurgitation

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Vanessa Cherniauskas, M.D. [2]

Synonyms and keywords: Coronary artery air embolism; coronary air embolization

Overview

Coronary air embolism is a complication of coronary angiograpghy, in which there is an iatrogenic introduction of gas bubbles into the blood stream, that can be associated with high morbidity and even mortality. In this case, the signs and symptoms result from the cessation of the blood flow within the arterial segment, caused by even a small amount of bubbles, which lead to tissue ischemia from oxygen starvation and may cause cellular damage and irreversible injury. The most dangerous consequences occur in brain and heart due to their vulnerability to short periods of ischemia.

Definition

The coronary air embolism is a result from the iatrogenic introduction of gas bubbles into the blood stream, an uncommon complication in the cardiac catheterization.

Example

Coronary Air Embolism (Left Anterior Descending Artery; RAO Caudal)

References

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