Incidental detection of paradoxical air embolism with a transoesophageal Doppler probe inserted for measuring descending aortic blood flow

We present a case of paradoxical air embolism in a patient undergoingneurosurgery of the posterior fossa in the sitting position.Paradoxical air embolism was detected in the descending aortaby a transoesophageal Doppler probe, which was inserted primarilyfor non-invasive haemodynamic monitoring. The patient sufferedno serious complications of paradoxical air embolism and recoveredwell. We suggest that paradoxical air embolism can be detectedintraoperatively not only by transoesophageal echocardiography,but also with a transoesophageal Doppler probe. Br J Anaesth 2003; 90: 520–2