Central venous catheterization and fatal air embolism.
Central venous catheterization is an established procedure in medical, surgical and anaesthetic practice. However, the procedure is not without hazard. One complication that may be life-threatening is air embolism. This article considers the causes of air embolism related to central venous catheterization, its treatment and methods of prevention.
Seidelin
P H
PH
Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee.
Stolarek
I H
IH
Thompson
A M
AM
D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans