Postoperative transient ischemic attack complicated by CO2 retention and hypoxemia in a patient receiving meperidine injection for postoperative pain relief.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke is not a rare complication, particularly in aged patients after surgery and anesthesia. If it is not properly managed, unmendable injury may inevitably occur. Patients who experience postoperative TIA or stroke usually have underlying diseases without resolution or good control.

Pulmonary artery rupture after attempted removal of a pulmonary artery catheter.

Withdrawal of a pulmonary catheter before initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass may prevent suturing the catheter to the pulmonary trunk and avoid the fatal complication of pulmonary artery rupture.