Estimated distribution of bubble sizes detected during cardiac surgery.

(a) Distribution of bubble sizes estimated based on analysis of the ultrasound backscatter (MEBR values) from 18667 embolic signals. Overall, the median diameter of bubbles was 33 μm (IQR: 18 to 69 μm). Signals observed following removal of the aortic cross-clamp are shaded. (b) Percentage of emboli, bubble volume, and predicted dissolve times for 18 μm, 38 μm, 100 μm, 500 μm and 1 mm diameter air bubbles.