Venous air embolism during the use of a Nd YAG laser

We report a case of a 47-year-old female who suffered a cardiac arrest during sub-mucosal diathermy of the inferior turbinate using a Nd YAG laser. The possible causes of the cardiac arrest are discussed. Venous air embolism due to Nd YAG laser was thought to be the most likely cause in this case. Although venous air embolism has previously been reported during nasal sinus surgery and choanal atresia when using a Nd YAG laser, the occurrence of this complication during a relatively minor surgical procedure has not previously been reported. It is important, therefore, to raise the awareness of this life threatening complication during use of a Nd YAG laser regardless of the duration of surgery. We recommend the use of appropriate methods and techniques to avoid this life threatening complication during the use of Nd YAG laser even for relatively short procedures.