Abstract
Central venous catheter systems are an important yet little recognised source of serious air embolism. Scrupulous care and vigilant observation of this equipment is necessary to prevent the severe cardio-respiratory and neurological sequelae which may occur. Air embolism following central venous catheterisation is one of the most serious complications of this procedure. We describe an unusual and hitherto unreported mechanism by which air accidentally entered the circulation; fortunately in this case there were no serious sequelae.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Coppa GF, Gouge TH, Hofstetter SR (1981) Air embolism: a lethal but preventable complication of subclavian vein catheterization. J Parenter Enter Nutr 5:166
Grant JP (1980) Handbook of total parenteral nutrition. Saunders, Philadelphia, p 57
LeBas LP, Waterman IT (1980) Total parenteral nutrition in Crohn's disease. World J Surg 4:163
Peters JL (1983) A manual of central venous catheterization and parenteral nutrition. John Wright, Bristol
Peters JL (1982) Current problems in central venous catheter systems. Intensive Care Med 8:205
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Peters, J.L., Armstrong, R., Bradford, R. et al. Air embolism: a serious hazard of central venous catheter systems. Intensive Care Med 10, 261–262 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00256264
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00256264