Episode 132.0 – Air Embolism

Episode 132.0 – Air Embolism

Author: Core EM February 12, 2018 Duration: 8:58

This week we dive into the rare but potentially fatal, and difficult to diagnose, air embolism.

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Show Notes

Take Home Points

  1. Air embolism is a rare but potentially fatal complication of central line placement and some surgical procedures and of course of as the result of barotrauma.
  2. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of air embolism can be tricky because it will look like any other ischemic process.  Consider air embolism if you have a patient that rapidly decompensates after placement of a central line, the most likely culprit for those of us in the ED.
  3. Treatment should focus on supportive cares.  Give supplemental O2, IV fluids and hemodynamic support and consider hyperbarics and cardiopulmonary bypass for the super sick patient.

Show Notes

Core EM: Air Embolism

Blanc et al. Iatrogenic cerebral air embolism: importance of an early hyperbaric oxygenation. Intensive Care Med. 2002; 28(5): 559-63. PMID 12029402


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There’s a particular kind of pressure that comes with working in an emergency department, where decisions need to be both swift and sound. Core EM-Emergency Medicine Podcast exists in that space, offering a direct line to the essential knowledge and clinical reasoning that emergency medicine demands. Created by the team at Core EM, each episode feels less like a formal lecture and more like a focused conversation with a trusted colleague. You’ll hear discussions that break down critical topics, from managing common presentations to unraveling complex, high-acuity cases, all grounded in current evidence and practical reality. This podcast serves as a reliable resource for physicians, residents, and advanced practice providers looking to solidify their foundation or stay sharp on the latest evidence. It’s about cutting through the noise to deliver core content that’s immediately applicable at the bedside. Tune in for a clear, concise, and always relevant dive into the principles that define emergency care, designed to fit into a busy clinician’s life between shifts or during a commute.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

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