Anesthesia & Clinical Research
Open Access

Abstract

Asystole during Vitrectomy Secondary to Increasing Intraocular Infusion Pressure Transmitted via Sclerotomy Infusion Cannula

Brandon A Van Noord and Manxu Zhao

The case of a 61 year-old male with recurrent retinal detachment who experienced a systole after increasing intraocular pressure through the sclerotomy infusion cannula during vitrectomy is reported. While the oculocardiac reflex is well-know, this case is unique as neither direct ocular compression nor extraocular muscle traction was present when the incident occurred. When any structure innervated by the trigeminal nerve is manipulated, vigilance should be maintained as this potentially fatal reflex can successfully be treated and prevented.