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Updated: Mar 27, 2026

Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
Venous air embolus during scalp incision
Nicole Z Spence1, Kathryn Faloba1, Adam M Sonabend2
1Department of Anesthesiology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University, 622 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Venous air embolism (VAE) is a risk during sitting craniotomy. Early monitoring is crucial for prompt treatment and preventing severe outcomes like cardiovascular collapse.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Anesthesiology
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Venous air embolism (VAE) is a recognized complication during sitting craniotomy.
- Clinical manifestations of VAE vary widely, from mild respiratory distress to severe hemodynamic instability.
- Air entrainment typically occurs during surgical manipulation of bone.
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