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Updated: Oct 20, 2026

Induction of Cerebral Arterial Gas Embolism in Rat
Published on: October 18, 2024
[Venous paradoxical air embolism]
M Booke1, H G Bone, H Van Aken
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Anästhesie und operative Intensivmedizin, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster.
Abstract:
Paradoxical air embolism may occur with any venous air embolism. Air may either enter the systemic circulation through a patent foramen ovale or through transpulmonary passage of air. While small venous air emboli are mostly well tolerated, even the smallest paradoxical air emboli can have fatal consequences in the systemic circulation. Therapy and prophylaxis of paradoxical air embolism equal those of venous air embolism. This is especially true, since paradoxical air embolism may not become obvious under general anesthesia. More specific therapeutic regiments, such as hyperbaric oxygenation and the infusion of perfluorocarbons, are still in an experimental stage.
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