Vascular air embolism: A silent hazard to patient safety

Sorin J. Brull, Richard C. Prielipp

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

73 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose To narratively review published information on prevention, detection, pathophysiology, and appropriate treatment of vascular air embolism (VAE). Materials and methods MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Cochrane Central Register and Google Scholar databases were searched for data published through October 2016. The Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database was queried for “air embolism” reports (years 2011–2016). Results VAE may be introduced through disruption in the integrity of the venous circulation that occurs during insertion, maintenance, or removal of intravenous or central venous catheters. VAE impacts pulmonary circulation, respiratory and cardiac function, systemic inflammation and coagulation, often with serious or fatal consequences. When VAE enters arterial circulation, air emboli affect cerebral blood flow and the central nervous system. New medical devices remove air from intravenous infusions. Early recognition and treatment reduce the clinical sequelae of VAE. An organized team approach to treatment including clinical simulation can facilitate preparedness for VAE. The MAUDE database included 416 injuries and 95 fatalities from VAE. Data from the American Society of Anesthesiologists Closed Claims Project showed 100% of claims for VAE resulted in a median payment of $325,000. Conclusions VAE is an important and underappreciated complication of surgery, anesthesia and medical procedures.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)255-263
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Critical Care
Volume42
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2017

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This article was supported by a grant from ClearLine MD (Woburn, MA, USA). The authors did not receive any compensation for authoring the manuscript, and the sponsor (ClearLine MD) had no involvement in the study design, collection, analysis and interpretation of data, or in writing of the report.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 Elsevier Inc.

Copyright:
Copyright 2018 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Air embolism
  • Central venous catheters
  • Cerebrovascular circulation
  • Intravenous infusion
  • Pulmonary circulation

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