Which of the following is a potential complication of cardiac catheterization?

• A. Air embolus
• B. Hypertension
• C. Anemia
• D. Seizure

Answer: (A)

Air embolism can occur during cardiac catheterization because air can be introduced into the circulation through catheters, sheaths, or during injection of contrast. If air enters the arterial system, it can travel to the heart or brain and cause ischemia or infarction; in the venous system, air can lodge in the pulmonary arteries and lead to sudden hypoxemia and hemodynamic instability. Prevention centers on meticulous technique: ensuring all catheters, syringes, and connections are completely flushed of air and that there’s no residual air in the system before injections or advancement of catheters. If an air embolism is suspected, give 100% oxygen and provide appropriate hemodynamic support; in some cases, aspirating the air through the catheter or utilizing hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be needed.

Hypertension isn’t a direct procedural complication, though it may be a patient’s baseline condition. Anemia would imply significant blood loss or a baseline condition rather than a typical acute catheterization complication. Seizure is not a common direct complication of cardiac catheterization, though it could occur secondary to severe contrast reaction or other unrelated events.