Massive Air Embolism Resulting in Ischemic Stroke after Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

We present the first case of ischemic stroke secondary to massive air embolus during implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The patient experienced a suction event at the time of aortic cannula removal. Despite the use of all standard deairing techniques and flooding the operative field with continuous-flow carbon dioxide, a significant amount of air was delivered into the ascending aorta through the LVAD pump.