[Severe air embolism after surgical irrigation with hydrogen peroxide]. 1999

S Donati, and A Barthélémy, and A Boussuges, and M Gainnier, and M L Ayem, and S Romanet, and J M Sainty
Service de Réanimation médicale et d'hyperbarie, Hôpital Salvator, Marseille.

BACKGROUND Hydrogen peroxide is widely used for its antiseptic properties. In certain circumstances, however the risk of air embolism can create a life-threatening situation. METHODS A 16-year-old adolescent required surgical treatment for femorotibial trauma. During the surgical procedure, cardiac arrest suddenly occurred when hydrogen peroxide was being used to irrigate the wound. A central catheter was inserted and aspiration of air bubbles in the line led to the diagnosis of air embolism. Outcome was unfavorable despite successful resuscitation. A chronic neurovegatative state ensued and the patient died 8 months later. CONCLUSIONS Several cases of air embolism have been described due to hydrogen peroxide in surgical, medical and accidental circumstances. Our case emphasizes the potential danger of using hydrogen peroxide in certain situations, including orthopedic surgery. Clinicians should be aware that hydrogen peroxide is not a perfectly safe product.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007431 Intraoperative Complications Complications that affect patients during surgery. They may or may not be associated with the disease for which the surgery is done, or within the same surgical procedure. Peroperative Complications,Surgical Injuries,Complication, Intraoperative,Complication, Peroperative,Injuries, Surgical,Complications, Intraoperative,Complications, Peroperative,Injury, Surgical,Intraoperative Complication,Peroperative Complication,Surgical Injury
D007507 Therapeutic Irrigation The washing of a body cavity or surface by flowing water or solution for therapy or diagnosis. Douching,Lavage,Douchings,Irrigation, Therapeutic,Irrigations, Therapeutic,Lavages,Therapeutic Irrigations
D007869 Leg Injuries General or unspecified injuries involving the leg. Injuries, Leg,Injury, Leg,Leg Injury
D008297 Male Males
D012151 Resuscitation The restoration to life or consciousness of one apparently dead. (Dorland, 27th ed) Resuscitations
D002542 Intracranial Embolism and Thrombosis Embolism or thrombosis involving blood vessels which supply intracranial structures. Emboli may originate from extracranial or intracranial sources. Thrombosis may occur in arterial or venous structures. Brain Embolism and Thrombosis,Cerebral Embolism and Thrombosis,Embolism and Thrombosis, Brain
D003952 Diagnostic Imaging Any visual display of structural or functional patterns of organs or tissues for diagnostic evaluation. It includes measuring physiologic and metabolic responses to physical and chemical stimuli, as well as ultramicroscopy. Imaging, Diagnostic,Imaging, Medical,Medical Imaging
D004618 Embolism, Air Blocking of a blood vessel by air bubbles that enter the circulatory system, usually after TRAUMA; surgical procedures, or changes in atmospheric pressure. Air Embolism,Embolism, Gas,Air Embolisms,Embolisms, Air,Embolisms, Gas,Gas Embolism,Gas Embolisms
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D006861 Hydrogen Peroxide A strong oxidizing agent used in aqueous solution as a ripening agent, bleach, and topical anti-infective. It is relatively unstable and solutions deteriorate over time unless stabilized by the addition of acetanilide or similar organic materials. Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2),Hydroperoxide,Oxydol,Perhydrol,Superoxol,Peroxide, Hydrogen

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