title: Vascular Air Embolism During Bronchoscopy Procedures- Incidence, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management and Outcomes.
abstract: Vascular air embolism (VAE) is a rare, but potentially fatal complication of invasive medical or surgical procedures. It is a very rare complication of bronchoscopy and is most frequently reported with therapeutic bronchoscopy with Argon plasma coagulation (APC) or neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd-YAG) laser. Despite being rare, as a result of its high chance of mortality and morbidity, it is imperative that physicians have high clinical suspicion to allow for early recognition and treatment. In this article, we provide a concise review of the incidence, pathophysiology, diagnosis management and outcomes of air embolism during bronchoscopy procedures.
authors.affiliation: Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Venkatkiran
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kanchustambham
authors.affiliation: Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Swetha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saladi
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Kris
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mehta
authors.affiliation: Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine , Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mwangi
authors.affiliation: Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine , Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Zafar
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Jamkhana
authors.affiliation: Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Setu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Patolia
keywords: air embolism; argon plasma coagulation(apc); arterial air embolism; bronchoscopy; end tidal co2; nd-yag laser; paradoxical embolism; patent foramen ovale; venous air embolism