paradoxic embolism

par·a·dox·ic em·bo·lism

(pară-doksik embŏ-lizm) 1. Obstruction of a systemic artery by an embolus originating in the venous system that passes through a septal defect, patent foramen ovale, or other shunt to the arterial system. 2. Obstruction by a minute clot that passes through the pulmonary capillaries from the venous to the arterial system.
Synonym(s): crossed embolism.