LARGE PULMONARY EMBOLUS WITHOUT SYSTEMIC HEMODYNAMIC CONSEQUENCES DURING CEMENTED HIP-ARTHROPLASTY

A case is presented in which a large embolus was detected passing thro ugh the right side of the heart during fetal hip arthroplasty. Althoug h tricuspid regurgitation and an elevated right ventricular pressure r esulted there was no perturbation in systemic hemodynamics or gas exch ange. The emboli detected during total hip arthroplasty are most likel y composed of fat. No specific treatment is required, although heighte ned vigilance for disturbances in systemic hemodynamics is important. (C) 1998 by Elsevier Science Inc.