Complete recovery after near-fatal venous air embolism during cesarean section.
During replacement to the abdomen of the exteriorized uterus at cesarean section under epidural block, a previously healthy woman developed cardiorespiratory arrest. Tracheal intubation revealed low end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration suggesting embolization. Resuscitative efforts were successful. Uterine exteriorization - as well as the Trendelenburg position - significantly increase the risk of air embolization so that routine use of appropriate monitors is indicated to facilitate early diagnosis.
Department of Anesthesiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 111 East 210th Streeet, Bronx, NY 10467 USA.
S N
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Epps
A J
AJ
Robbins
G F
GF
Marx