Development of Cerebral Air Emboli During Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Bovine Collagen Xenograft Repair of Extensive Surgical Scalp Wounds With Exposed Calvarium in the Elderly

“…Removal of tumor and reconstruction of these scalp wounds is not without risk, including dessication/necrosis of bone or the rare but serious development of cerebral air emboli. 5 Similar to the findings of Stebbins and colleagues 6 with human cadaveric dermal allografts, the authors found that reconstruction of scalp wounds extending to the calvarium can be effectively accomplished using bovine collagen xenografts alone, with subsequent wound care as described above. None of the patients required any additional surgery for repair, such as a flap or graft, nor did they require chiseling of bone.…”

Acute Cardiac Air Embolism

“…Air emboli in the setting of MMS has previously been cited in a dermatology case report. 1 It has also been recorded in head and neck surgery, dental surgery, and is a known complication of seated-position neurosurgical operations. 2 – 5 Complications include, but are not limited to, coronary or cerebral infarct, complete cardiovascular collapse, and death.…”

Surgical Treatment of Large Skin Cancers

“…While this can be ergonomically cumbersome, it limits the potential for air embolism through connections to the diploic veins. 25 Tumor removal on the scalp is usually facile. Difficulty is encountered when tumors infiltrate deeply to the galea.…”