Air embolism

An air embolism is caused by the ingress of air into the vascular system embolism.

Cause

An air embolism occurs when air enters ( a special case of a gas embolism) in the bloodstream.

An open connection between a vein and the outside world, where a negative venous pressure is present, is sufficient for the conclusion. As in the peripheral systemic veins usually hardly exists such a condition, complications of simple action errors in peripheral intravenous indwelling in the hospital are rare.

Anders see the pressure, thus threatening conditions with central venous and venous port catheters, because close to the heart is a pulse- synchronous vacuum recorded. To open the environment central venous catheter systems can therefore be fatal. The use of screw ( luer lock ) instead connectors (Luer Lock without ) and personnel training have had an air embolism are rare in this way.

Even pressure infusions as they are used for example in cardiac catheterization, in poor ventilation of the tube system can lead to a fatal air embolism since several milliliters of air can be pushed directly into the heart or the coronary arteries with high pressure. So far, there is no technical solution to this problem so that the attention of the staff is the only protection.

The fear of an air embolism is historically (possible neck veins opening ) to the thyroid surgery, when people still knew no general anesthesia, which is associated with completely altered pulmonary pressures and thus increased venous pressures. It protected in this case by a slight head-down storage on the operating table (cooker ).

The air embolism is related to the Lungenthrombembolie regarding the cause (gas ) with the caisson and regarding its impact on the heart.

Symptoms

The signs of air embolism are similar to those of pulmonary embolism, ie

• Pain when breathing
• Cough
• Drop in the oxygen content of the blood with shortness of breath and rapid breathing
• Shock ( hypotension, increased pulse), possibly with loss of consciousness
• Fear, possibly even panic because of the shortness of breath, possibly with profuse sweating

Diagnostics

In addition to the clinical picture, the air in cardiac ultrasound can be detected directly. The ECG changes may show how the heart attack. In the blood gas analysis is possibly a drop of oxygen levels.

Therapy

The most important measure immediately the cause of air embolism must be eliminated, so the further inflow of air to prevent the circulation. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, it may be necessary to ventilate the patient. Can be drawn from the right atrium via a central venous catheter sometimes air.

In order to prevent further embolization of the lungs, the patient should be placed in the left lateral position with head-down position ( Durant maneuver) thus should remain in the right ventricle and not reach the pulmonary circulation the air.

If necessary. must be taken circulation stabilizing measures. Resuscitation may be required.