title: [Gas embolism].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Gas embolism is an iatrogenic injury that has high morbidity and mortality. It's a complication of clinical-surgical procedures, and it's necessary that the health professionals know this entity. The aim of this study was to realize a review of the gas embolism, considering its pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapeutics aspects.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  This article revises conceptually the gas embolism, dividing it in arterial and venous. Relate the mains physiopathology, diagnosis and therapeutics characteristics of the arterial and venous embolism. In addition, it's also approach the paradoxical embolism, event that occurs by conversion of a venous embolism to an arterial embolism.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gas embolism is an important complication, and it's present in many medical specialties. Knowledge about its physiopathology, and its diagnosis and therapeutic methods is essential to guarantee higher safety to the patients.
authors.affiliation: EPM, UNIFESP.
authors.forename: Rafael Fagionato
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Locali
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Engenharia Clínica, AMIB.
authors.forename: Eugênio Vieira Machado
authors.initials: EV
authors.lastname: Almeida