Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
08:49
External Cephalic Version: Is it an Effective and Safe Procedure?
Published on: June 6, 2020
Venous air embolism during cesarean delivery
1Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Regional Anesthesia
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Subclinical venous air embolism (VAE) during cesarean delivery is less common than previously thought, with Doppler monitoring showing a 10% incidence. Signs like decreased oxygen saturation or chest pain were not strongly correlated with VAE.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Obstetrics
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Subclinical venous air embolism (VAE) is reported in 50-65% of cesarean deliveries, posing a risk of serious embolic events.
- Precordial Doppler monitoring is used to detect VAE, but its incidence and associated signs require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the incidence of subclinical VAE during cesarean delivery using precordial Doppler.
- To examine the correlation of VAE with other clinical signs such as oxygen saturation and ECG changes.
Main Methods:
- Precordial Doppler, oxygen saturation (SaO2), and ECG were monitored in 63 patients undergoing cesarean delivery.
- Patients received either regional (60) or general (3) anesthesia.
Main Results:
- Only 10% of patients (6/63) exhibited Doppler changes indicative of VAE.
- Nineteen patients (30%) had minor SaO2 decreases, mostly unassociated with Doppler changes.
- VAE signs were more frequent when the uterus was exteriorized during repair.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of Doppler-detected VAE during cesarean delivery is lower than previously reported.
- Observed VAE signs showed weak correlation with Doppler findings and other clinical indicators.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
01:22Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management
Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
01:19Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...