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Air embolism

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In health care, an air embolism is "blocking of a blood vessel by air bubbles that enter the circulatory system, usually after trauma; surgical procedures, or changes in atmospheric pressure."[1]

Treatment

Place the patient in one of the following positions that will cause the air to move to a nonobstructing position in the right ventrical:

  • Left lateral decubitus position (Durant's maneuver)
  • Trendelenburg position

References

  1. Anonymous, (2008) Air embolism (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
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