A Case Report of Acute Pulmonary Edema and Sudden Death Following Heart Surgery

Joshua M. Thigpen, DNP, CRNA

Joshua M. Thigpen, DNP, CRNA Texas Christian University

Abstract

A 47-year-old male patient underwent aortic valve replacement surgery. After cessation of cardiopulmonary bypass, the patient exhibited refractory hypoxia, fulminant pulmonary edema, hypotension, and ultimately died less than an hour following his arrival to the intensive care unit. The patient may have suffered from either a severe type III reaction to protamine sulfate or a transfusion-related acute lung injury. Both of these conditions are can of producing hypoxia, pulmonary edema, and hypotension. Anesthesia professionals must be able to identify patients at risk for both types of conditions, recognize their presentations, and respond quickly and appropriately when presented with these deadly reactions.

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