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Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

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Air embolism risk factors

Introduction

Overview

Overview

The technique and positioning of a patient during many invasive procedures plays a role in the risk of a patient developing air embolism.

Risk Factors

Risk Factors

  • Common risk factors in the development of air embolism are:
  • Operative site more that 5cm above the right atrium[1]
  • Numerous uncompressed venous channels in surgical site[2]
  • Pressure gradient during surgery[3]
  • Insertion or removal of catheter[4]
    • Fracture/de attachment of catheter
    • Failure to occlude needle hub
    • Deep inspiration
    • Hypovolemia
    • Up right position
  • Scuba diving[5]
    • Rapid ascent rate
    • Diving too long
    • Diving at great depth
References

References

  1. ↑ Nissar Shaikh & Firdous Ummunisa (2009). “Acute management of vascular air embolism”. Journal of emergencies, trauma, and shock. 2 (3): 180–185. doi:10.4103/0974-2700.55330. PMID 20009308. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  2. ↑ Nissar Shaikh & Firdous Ummunisa (2009). “Acute management of vascular air embolism”. Journal of emergencies, trauma, and shock. 2 (3): 180–185. doi:10.4103/0974-2700.55330. PMID 20009308. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  3. ↑ J. P. Flanagan, I. A. Gradisar, R. J. Gross & T. R. Kelly (1969). “Air embolus–a lethal complication of subclavian venipuncture”. The New England journal of medicine. 281 (9): 488–489. doi:10.1056/NEJM196908282810907. PMID 5796967. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  4. ↑ Nissar Shaikh & Firdous Ummunisa (2009). “Acute management of vascular air embolism”. Journal of emergencies, trauma, and shock. 2 (3): 180–185. doi:10.4103/0974-2700.55330. PMID 20009308. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  5. ↑ J. Aharon-Peretz, Y. Adir, C. R. Gordon, S. Kol, N. Gal & Y. Melamed (1993). “Spinal cord decompression sickness in sport diving”. Archives of neurology. 50 (7): 753–756. PMID 8323480. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]