title: Air embolism during pulsed saline irrigation of an open pelvic fracture: case report.
abstract: Air embolism is a rare but potentially lethal complication of surgical procedures. We report an air embolus that occurred during pulsed saline lavage of a perineal laceration in a patient with an open pelvic fracture. Treatment consisted of aspiration of air from central venous lines and the patient recovered without sequelae.
authors.affiliation: Trauma Services, Kings County Hospital, Brooklyn, NY 11203.
authors.forename: F C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Brunicardi
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Scalea
authors.forename: M O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Bernstein
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Sclafani
authors.forename: T F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Phillips
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000209:etiology*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010384:Pelvic Bones / Q000293:injuries*; D010502:Perineum / Q000293:injuries; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000628:therapy*