Fatal air embolism after subclavian vein catheterization. Case report

The authors describe a case of fatal air embolism in a patient with an endovenous catheter introduced into the subclavian vein through a supraclavicular way. The opening of pleura caused by the needle during the thrusting of the needle caused a subcutaneous supraclavicular and laterocervical emphysema during ventilation with intermittent positive pressure (IPPV). The authors suggest that IPPV, in the postoperative period following kidney removal, was the main ancillary reason of the air embolism since opening of pleura, in a patient who breathes spontaneously, only induces pneumothorax according to the majority of the authors.