RESUMO
STUDY DESIGN: This is a case report. OBJECTIVE: Describe the occurrence of cardiac emboli recorded on transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) after the injection of a topical hemostatic agent into a vertebra prior to performing a pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Hemostasis during spinal surgery is critical for adequate visualization and to reduce the risk of perioperative complications. Adult spinal deformity surgery can involve performing PSOs which are useful in cases of fixed spinal deformities and are associated with increased blood loss secondary to epidural and cancellous bleeding. Prior to performing a PSO, a topical hemostatic agent can be injected into the vertebra through the pedicle screw pilot holes in an attempt to decrease cancellous bleeding. Injected hemostatic agents can pressurize the vertebral body similar to cementation in vertebroplasty and during fracture reaming and prosthetic implantation in the femur. Patients with cardiac defects such as patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect may be more prone to systemic embolic events resulting in morbidity or mortality. METHODS: We injected a topical hemostatic matrix agent through the pedicle screw pilot holes into the L1 vertebral body prior to performing a PSO while simultaneously recording with TEE. RESULTS: The TEE recorded large visible emboli traveling through the heart into the pulmonary vasculature. The patient remained stable throughout the remainder of the case and a postoperative spiral computed tomography (CT) scan was negative for filling defects. The patient had an uneventful hospital course. CONCLUSION: Questions remain about the exact consistency of these emboli, when they are most likely to occur, how much cardiopulmonary insult can be tolerated without resulting in complications, or how to prevent their occurrence. Patients undergoing spinal surgery with the plan to inject hemostatic matrix agents into the vertebral body may benefit from a preoperative TEE to reduce the risk of complications associated with embolic events, especially in patients with undiagnosed patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.
Assuntos
Ecocardiografia Transesofagiana , Embolia/diagnóstico por imagem , Cardiopatias/diagnóstico por imagem , Hemostáticos/administração & dosagem , Monitorização Intraoperatória , Osteotomia/métodos , Administração Tópica , Idoso , Ecocardiografia Transesofagiana/métodos , Embolia/induzido quimicamente , Cardiopatias/induzido quimicamente , Hemostáticos/efeitos adversos , Humanos , Masculino , Monitorização Intraoperatória/métodosRESUMO
An array of clinical events may lead to perioperative neurological injury. We first review the general cellular mechanisms leading to brain tissue injury and death. The genesis and mechanisms of injury after cerebral aneurysm surgery, traumatic brain injury, postoperative vascular insult in patients with severe cerebrovascular disease are discussed, as are strategies for prevention and treatment. More has become known about the epidemiology, risk factors and potential preventive strategies in postoperative delirium, and, to a lesser extent, postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Finally, emerging concepts in clinical brain protection are discussed, including preconditioning, gene therapy and stem cells.