Sloovere, Veerle De

Background: Venous air embolism (VAE) is a potentially catastrophic complication during neurosurgical procedures, particularly in the sitting position. As practices vary widely, we conducted a survey to describe the global practice patterns for intraoperative detection and management of VAE. Methods: Following institutional review board (IRB) approval, we conducted a cross-sectional study using a 48-question online survey that was distributed via a snowball sampling approach, initially to the Society of Neuroscience in Anesthesiology and Critical Care (SNACC) community and subsequently to international collaborators. Descriptive statistics summarized responses, and proportional comparisons between high-income and low- and middle-income country respondents were assessed using a χ 2 or the Fisher exact tests, as appropriate. Results: Of 307 responses, 297 were analyzed, representing 40 countries. Survey response rate was 25% among SNACC members. End-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO 2 ) monitoring was the most frequently reported VAE monitoring modality, particularly for sitting craniotomies. Common barriers to implementing advanced monitoring included limited equipment availability and a lack of a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) specialist. Decision-making for cases at VAE risk relied on team consensus (62%), review articles and primary literature (48%), and institutional protocols (42%). Among respondents, 89% expressed interest in consensus guidelines for VAE management. Conclusions: There is substantial global variability in both the preparation for and management of VAE during neurosurgical procedures. EtCO 2 is the preferred monitoring approach in routine practice, as resource limitations prevent the broader adoption of more sensitive techniques, such as TEE. The high interest in consensus guidelines underscores an opportunity for professional societies to standardize approaches and improve patient safety.

The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has several implications relevant to neuroanesthesiologists, including neurological manifestations of the disease, impact of anesthesia provision for specific neurosurgical procedures and electroconvulsive therapy, and health care provider wellness. The Society for Neuroscience in Anesthesiology and Critical Care appointed a task force to provide timely, consensus-based expert guidance for neuroanesthesiologists during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this document is to provide a focused overview of COVID-19 disease relevant to neuroanesthesia practice. This consensus statement provides information on the neurological manifestations of COVID-19, advice for neuroanesthesia clinical practice during emergent neurosurgery, interventional radiology (excluding endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke), transnasal neurosurgery, awake craniotomy and electroconvulsive therapy, as well as information about health care provider wellness. Institutions and health care providers are encouraged to adapt these recommendations to best suit local needs, considering existing practice standards and resource availability to ensure safety of patients and providers.