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. 2013 Jan;3(1):73-6.
doi: 10.4103/2229-5151.109428.

Vascular air embolism

Stephanie Gordy  1 , Susan Rowell
Affiliations

Vascular air embolism

Stephanie Gordy et al. Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci. 2013 Jan.

Abstract

Vascular air embolism is a rare but potentially fatal event. It may occur in a variety of procedures and surgeries but is most often associated as an iatrogenic complication of central line catheter insertion. This article reviews the incidence, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this phenomenon.

Keywords: Air embolism; air embolus; arterial air embolism; central line complications; chest trauma; complications of central catheterization; venous air embolism.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Large air embolism due to left subclavian central line placement with air evident in the main pulmonary artery
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • Air embolism during venous sheath replacement.
    Lorentzen K, Vester-Andersen M. Lorentzen K, et al. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2019 Sep;36(9):712-713. doi: 10.1097/EJA.0000000000001060. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2019. PMID: 31365420 No abstract available.

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