Venous air embolism

Dagmara Reingardienė

Clinic of Intensive care, Kaunas University of Medicine, Lithuania

Key words: venous air embolism, gas embolism.

Summary. Venous air embolism is the entry of air into the venous system as a consequence of trauma or iatrogenic complications (especially central venous cannulation or pressurized intravenous infusion systems). It also can occur following the surgical procedures. Venous air embolism results in right ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary injury. In this review article various causes, frequency, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, outcome and prevention of venous air embolism are discussed.

Correspondence to D. Reingardienė, Clinic of Intensive care, Kaunas University of Medicine, Eivenių 2, 3007 Kaunas, Lithuania

Received 4 October 2002, accepted 4 October 2002