Gas embolism, the entry of gas into vascular structures, isa largely iatrogenic clinical problem that can result in seriousmorbidity and even death.1 Since gas embolism can result fromprocedures performed in almost all clinical specialties (Table 1),it is important for all clinicians to be aware of this problem.In most cases, gas embolism is air embolism, although the medicaluse of other gases, such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, andnitrogen, can also result in the condition. There are two broadcategories of gas embolism, venous and arterial, which are distinguishedby the mechanism of . . . [Full Text of this Article]
Venous Gas Embolism
Pathophysiology
Diagnosis
Treatment
Paradoxical Embolism
Arterial Gas Embolism
Pathophysiology
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Treatment of Generalized Seizures
Hyperbaric-Oxygen Therapy
Infusion Therapy
Anticoagulant Therapy
Corticosteroid Therapy
Lidocaine Therapy
Conclusions
Source Information
From the Druckkammerzentrum Homburg, University Hospital Homburg, University of the Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany (C.M.M.); and the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital and the Department of Anesthesiology, Harvard Medical School both in Boston (E.S.S.).
Address reprint requests to Dr. Muth at the Druckkammerzentrum Homburg, Universitätskliniker des Saarlandes, 66424 Homburg/Saar, Germany, or at cmmuth@aol.com.
References
Related Letters:
Gas Embolism
Coulter T. D., Wiedemann H. P., Eckmann D. M., Branger A. B., Cavanagh D. P., Chamorro C., Romera M. A., Pardo C., Muth C. M., Shank E. S.
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N Engl J Med 2000;
342:2000-2002, Jun 29, 2000.
Correspondence
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