Rapid detection of venous air embolism by mass spectrometry during bone marrow harvesting
Mangan, K.F.; Boucek, C.; Powers, D.; Shadduck, R.K.
Experimental Hematology 13(7): 639-640
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-472X PMID: 3928397 Document Number: 259074
An episode of venous air embolism occurred in a 13-year-old girl undergoing bone marrow harvest for an autologous bone marrow transplant. The diagnosis was suspected with the sudden appearance of tachycardia and a new heart murmur during inadvertent application of positive pressure to marrow aspiration needles. Decreased carbon dioxide and increased nitrogen content of end-tidal expiratory gases was detected by continuous mass spectrometric monitoring. Cessation of faulty aspiration technique and application of positive end expiratory pressure with 100% oxygen prevented a potentially fatal complication. Venous air embolism may complicate bone marrow harvest. Mass spectrometric monitoring of end-tidal gases is useful for rapid, early detection of this complication.