Venous air embolism: A review

Received 13 May 1996; accepted 6 November 1996.

Abstract

Venous air embolism (VAE) can be a lethal complication of surgical procedures, during which (1) venous pressure at the site of surgery is subatmospheric or (2) gas is forced under-pressure into a body cavity. Though classically associated with neurosurgery, VAE is also a potential complication of laparoscopic, pelvic, and orthopedic procedures. It is, therefore, essential for the practicing anesthesiologist to recognize and treat venous air entrainment. An in-depth review of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, detection, prevention, and treatment of VAE is presented.

Keywords: Laparoscopy, MAST trouser, patient position sitting, venous air embolism

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a Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA

b St. Agnes Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA

Address reprint requests to Dr. Palmon at the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 No. Wolfe St., Meyer 8-134, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.

∗ Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.

† Staff Anesthesiologist, St. Agnes Hospital, Baltimore.

PII: S0952-8180(97)00024-X

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