Venous air embolism after using a birth-training device.
BACKGROUND
This case describes a birth-training device used by a pregnant woman to stretch the perineum.


METHODS
A primigravida suffered near cardiovascular collapse and subsequent acute respiratory distress syndrome after using the device at home. Her symptoms and clinical course of disease revealed a high likelihood of venous air embolism.


CONCLUSIONS
The patient likely suffered a venous air embolism in association with the use of the birth-training device. The complications suffered by this patient should give caution about use of such devices.
Nicoll
Linda M
LM
New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York 10021, USA. LMN4@Cornell.Edu
Skupski
Daniel W
DW
D004106:Dilatation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010502:Perineum; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D014621:Vagina