This case report describes venous air embolism as a complication of stifle joint arthroscopy in a 16-year-old French Saddle Pony. Carbon dioxide was used to achieve joint distension during the procedure and accidentally entered the vasculature, causing the embolism. The diagnosis was based on a sudden onset of laboured breathing, tachycardia and dropping end-tidal carbon dioxide (PE'CO2) and was confirmed by arterial blood gas analysis showing hypercapnia and large PE'CO2—arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) difference. This complication was treated by increasing the fraction of inspired oxygen (F_IO₂) and immediate ceasing of further gas insufflation. The horse suffered no further complications. To our knowledge, this is the first publication reporting this complication during arthroscopy in a horse. Awareness of this complication should be raised between veterinarians performing arthroscopies when using gas as the distending agent. A high index of suspicion and early recognition of the embolism can improve chances for full and unremarkable recoveries.

中文翻译：

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马膝关节镜检查中的静脉空气栓塞

本病例报告将静脉空气栓塞描述为一头 16 岁法国鞍小马膝关节镜检查的并发症。二氧化碳用于在手术过程中实现关节扩张，并意外进入脉管系统，导致栓塞。诊断基于突然出现呼吸困难、心动过速和呼气末二氧化碳 (PE'CO2) 下降，并通过动脉血气分析证实高碳酸血症和大量 PE'CO2 - 动脉二氧化碳分压 (PaCO ₂₎） 不同之处。这种并发症通过增加吸入氧的比例 (F _I O ₂) 并立即停止进一步充气。这匹马没有出现进一步的并发症。据我们所知，这是第一篇报道马关节镜检查过程中出现这种并发症的出版物。当使用气体作为膨胀剂时，应提高执行关节镜检查的兽医对这种并发症的认识。对栓塞的高度怀疑和早期识别可以提高完全和不显着恢复的机会。