Systemic air embolism as a possible cause of cardiac arrest during endoscopic treatment of pulmonary haemangioma using a diode laser.

Air embolism is a known but rare complication to endoscopic laser surgery. A case of nearly lethal air emboli as a complication to endoscopic laser surgery using a diode laser in the lungs is described. The case illustrates that even after prolonged resuscitation a successful outcome can be obtained.