Full recovery of a patient after oxygenator replacement during open-heart surgery.

During an open-heart procedure in a 69-year-old man, a damaged mitral valve was being examined when suddenly the venous return line from the oxygenator of the heart-lung machine became filled with gas. After the venous line had been flushed and cardiopulmonary bypass had been reinstated, the line again filled with gas, and the aortic line also had to be clamped to prevent a massive air embolism. The oxygenator was immediately exchanged, bypass was resumed after 7 to 8 minutes, and the surgical procedures were completed. The patient survived, and a year and a half later continues in good health. His survival was attributed to three factors: intraaortic balloon support, hypothermia to 28 degrees C, and the prompt exchange of oxygenators.