Abstract

Surgicel (oxidized regenerated cellulose; Ethicon, Somerville, NJ) is widely used in surgery to achieve hemostasis but can interfere with postoperative imaging. A patient was noted to have lateralizing neurologic deficits immediately after a carotid endarterectomy, with an internal carotid artery flow void on duplex. However, at return to the operating theater, no flow void was noted after Surgicel was removed. Reapplying Surgicel around the vessel recreated this acoustic shadow, confirming this ultrasonographic finding was simply an artifact. Surgicel is known to trap air within the interstices of the gauze. This phenomenon can obscure vessel flow to mimic an occlusion on duplex imaging.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.