The so-called venous air embolism: historical aspects and current diagnosis, prophylaxis and therapy
Panning, B.
Der Anaesthesist 36(3): 111-115
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-2417 PMID: 3296849 Document Number: 295264
The so-called venous air embolism is known as a complication not only of surgical operations but also of other procedures. Two conditions must be fulfilled: a lesion of a non collapsible vein; and a pressure gradient from outside to inside the vein, as occurs for instance during puncture of a large vein in a hypovolemic patient. Air entry into veins is a frequent occurrence during neurosurgery in sitting patients, and thus most diagnostic, prophylactic, and therapeutic innovations were proposed by neuroanesthetists. Due to advances in technique, truly dangerous cases of so-called venous air embolism during neurosurgery in patients in the sitting position are very rare.