Air Embolism
Other causes of air embolisms
Source: NHS
In this topic (11)
Air embolisms alsooccur during surgery or other medical procedures, but this is rare.
In hospitals and health centres, care should be taken to prevent this. For example:
- before injections, air should be removed from syringes and intravenous lines
- catheters or other tubes inserted into the body should be inserted and removed using a technique that minimises the possibility of air getting into the blood vessels
- patients should be closely monitored to help ensure air bubbles don't form in blood vessels during surgery
Air embolisms resulting from surgery, anaesthesia or other medical procedures can be difficult to treat. Treatment is usually needed to support the heart, blood vessels and lungs.
For example, fluids may be used to treat a fall in blood pressure and oxygen may be given to reduce levels of other gases in the blood vessels.
