Asystole in Orthognathic Surgery: A Case Report

Abstract

A previously healthy 26-year-old man presented for elective Le Fort I osteotomy, bilateral mandibular osteotomy, and genioplasty. During the intraoperative course, the patient developed sudden bradycardia and asystole on placement of a bite block. Asystole is an extremely rare consequence of the trigeminocardiac reflex, and awareness of this potentially life-threatening complication is pivotal in its management.