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.

Download 2 Comments Tags: , ,

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


Read More

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

Core EM - Emergency Medicine Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 202: Sexually Transmitted Infections 2.0 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
We review Sexually Transmitted Infections and pertinent updates in diagnosis and management. Hosts: Avir Mitra, MD Brian Gilberti, MD https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Sexually_Transmitted_Infec…
Episode 201: Migraines [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
We discuss migraines with one of the authorities in the field. Hosts: Benjamin Friedman, MD of Montefiore Brian Gilberti, MD https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Migraines.mp3 Download Leave a Comm…
Episode 200: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
We discuss a new class of medications, Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, and their side effects. Hosts: Avir Mitra, MD Brian Gilberti, MD https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Immune_Checkpoint_Inhibito…
Episode 199: Ataxia in Children [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
We discuss a case of ataxia in children and how to approach the evaluation of these pts. Hosts: Ellen Duncan, MD, PhD Brian Gilberti, MD https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Ataxia_in_Children.mp3…
Episode 198: Hypernatremia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
We discuss the approach to diagnosing and managing hypernatremia in the emergency department. Hosts: Abigail Olinde, MD Brian Gilberti, MD https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Hypernatremia.mp3 Dow…
Episode 197: Acute Agitation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
We discuss an approach to the acutely agitated patient and review medications commonly used. Hosts: Jonathan Kobles, MD Brian Gilberti, MD https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Acute_Agitation.mp3 D…
Episode 196: The Critically Ill Infant [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
We discuss an approach to the critically ill infant. Hosts: Ellen Duncan, MD, PhD Brian Gilberti, MD https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/The_Critically_Ill_Infant.mp3 Download Leave a Comment Tags…
Episode 195: ARDS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
We review Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Hosts: Sadakat Chowdhury, MD Brian Gilberti, MD https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/ARDS.mp3 Download Leave a Comment Tags: Critical Care, Pulmonary S…
Episode 194: Nitrous Oxide Toxicity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
We review Nitrous Oxide Toxicity: Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment overview Hosts: Stefanie Biondi, MD Brian Gilberti, MD https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Nitrous_Oxide_Toxicity.mp3 Download…
Episode 193: Threatened Abortion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
We review threatened abortion and the complexities in its care. Hosts: Stacey Frisch, MD Brian Gilberti, MD https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Threatened_Abortion.mp3 Download One Comment Tags: O…