Also known as "air embolism"
May be fatal when air entry reaches 200-300 mL (pressure gradient of 5 mmHg across 14 ga catheter entrains air at 100 mL/sec)
Dialysis related
Due to negative intrathoracic pressure from spontaneous breathing
Diving related
Results from pulmonary barotrauma (most common) and decompression sickness, most commonly in last 10m of ascent.
Classically presents as LOC within 2 minutes of surfacing, can lead to stroke-like symptoms.
Due to negative intrathoracic pressure from spontaneous breathing
Results from pulmonary barotrauma (most common) and decompression sickness, most commonly in last 10m of ascent.
Classically presents as LOC within 2 minutes of surfacing, can lead to stroke-like symptoms.
Positive pressure mechanical ventilation reduces positive pressure gradient
Trendelenburg for insertion/removal of IJV and subclav lines
Reverse Trendelenburg for femoral
Slow and controlled ascent when diving, with special precaution to exhale during ascent in the last 10m so the lungs do not over-pressurize.
Arterial gas embolism
Barotrauma of descent
Missile embolism
Otic barotrauma
Iatrogenic pneumothorax
Pulmonary barotrauma
Immersion pulmonary edema
Sinus barotrauma