Asystole Due to Oculocardiac Reflex during Surgical Repair of an Orbital Blowout Fracture

Abstract

Summary:. Bradycardia and asystole due to oculocardiac reflex (OCR) are potential intraoperative complications of periocular surgery. We report a case of asystole due to OCR that occurred during surgical repair performed 40 hours after an orbital blowout fracture. The patient had vomiting, bradycardia, and ocular motility disorder before the operation. During the operation, asystole occurred when the entrapped tissue was grasped with forceps. After administration of anticholinergic drugs, the heart promptly resumed beating, and no sequelae due to asystole were observed after surgery. Before and during periocular surgery, it is important for the surgeon to maintain a protective surgical procedure and communicate appropriately with the anesthesiologist, including discussion of risks and emergency measures. In addition, prolonged entrapment of the extraocular muscles is likely to cause irreversible damage, so it is important to make a diagnosis and perform surgery as soon as possible.