Air in the heart: what should one do?

Am J Emerg Med

Department of Internal Medicine, PGIMER, Chandigarh, UT 160012, India.

Published: October 2012

AI Article Synopsis

  • Air embolism is a dangerous complication that can occur during the placement of vascular access devices, often going unnoticed.
  • Improper techniques during catheter insertion can lead to air entering the bloodstream, which can disrupt circulation to critical areas like the brain, lungs, and heart.
  • The text discusses a specific case of air embolism in the heart following the insertion of a central venous catheter, where the situation was managed without surgical intervention.

Article Abstract

Air embolism is a serious and frequently underrecognized complication of vascular access device placement. Improper precautions during vascular catheter insertion result in inadvertent introduction of air into the vasculature. Systemic embolization into the cerebral, pulmonary, and coronary circulations can be catastrophic. We present a case of intracardiac air embolism after placement of a central venous catheter managed conservatively.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2011.08.011DOI Listing

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