Imaging Pearls ❯ Cardiac ❯ Air in the Heart
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- “Air embolism is a rare but potentially fatal occurrence and may result from a variety of procedures and clinical scenarios. It can occur in either the venous or arterial system depending on where the air enters the systemic circulation. Venous air embolism occurs when gas enters a venous structure and travels through the right heart to the pulmonary circulation. Conditions for the entry of gas into the venous system are the access of veins during the presence of negative pressure in these vessels. This is most commonly associated with central venous catheterization, as the potential for negative pressure exists in the thoracic vessels due to respiration.”
Vascular air embolism
Stephanie Gordy and Susan Rowell
Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci. 2013 Jan-Mar; 3(1): 73–76. - "The severity of symptoms resulting from air embolism varies according to the amount of air instilled and the end location of the air bubble. Patients may be asymptomatic or may have complete cardiovascular collapse.”
Vascular air embolism
Stephanie Gordy and Susan Rowell
Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci. 2013 Jan-Mar; 3(1): 73–76. - “Awareness and prevention during high risk procedures is critical for patient safety. If a venous air embolism is suspected, treatment includes stopping air entry into the system, aspiration of the air from the right ventricle if a central catheter is being used and placing the patient in Trendelenburg and left lateral decubitus position also known as Durant's maneuver. This positioning allows the entrapped air in the heart to be stabilized within the apex of the ventricle. Previous studies have shown that left lateral decubitus positioning may be effective by allowing air to move toward the right ventricular apex, thereby relieving the obstruction of the pulmonary outflow tract.”
Vascular air embolism
Stephanie Gordy and Susan Rowell
Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci. 2013 Jan-Mar; 3(1): 73–76.