CT31
HYPERBARIC OXYGEN IN POST‐CARDIAC SURGERY STROKE PATIENTS – THE CHRISTCHURCH EXPERIENCE

Introduction  Post‐operative strokes occur in a small percentage of adult cardiac surgical patients and have devastating consequences for these patients. There is evidence to suggest that Cerebral Arterial Gas Embolism (CAGE) is an important aetiological factor in most of these cases.Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the administration of 100% oxygen at greater than atmospheric pressure. It is accepted as the definitive treatment for CAGE related to SCUBA diving accidents. The similarities between this and the pathophysiology of post cardiac‐surgical strokes due to iatrogenic CAGE suggest that beneficial effects from HBOT may accrue to these patients.Purpose  The purpose of this study is to review the experience of treating post cardiac‐surgical stroke patients in our local hyperbaric oxygen facility, including their presentation, delay before treatment and outcomes. The current evidence base is reviewed.Method  A retrospective case series analysis was conducted.Results  Over a 10 year period, patients with post cardiac‐surgical strokes and who presented within the first 48 hours were referred for HBOT, of whom 12 were treated. The neurological outcomes were excellent in all but