Cerebral air embolism treated with endovascular flow reversal and suction aspiration

Abstract

Cerebral air embolism is a rare but potentially devastating complication of endovascular intervention. The treatment for cerebral air embolism is often limited to hyperbaric oxygen therapy, anticonvulsants, high-flow oxygen, and a wait-and-see approach. Endovascular aspiration has been reported recently as a possible treatment option for large-vessel occlusion. We present a case in which a different endovascular treatment approach was used to manage air embolism encountered during endovascular therapy of a cerebral aneurysm. In this patient, we used a combination of flow reversal and suction to remove the air embolus. Keywords: Cerebral air embolism, Endovascular, Flow reversal, Suction