Air embolism during liver resection: an unusual mechanism of entry from a peristaltic pump

A case of venous air embolism occurring during liver resection is reported. Diagnosis was made early from the continuous recording of pulmonary artery pressure. The aetiology was neither surgical nor an obvious disconnection of a venous line. It was caused by a blockage of the blood filter, resulting in subambient pressure between the filter and a peristaltic pump, leading to aspiration of numerous small air bubbles. The clinical course after replacement of the defective material was uneventful, except for transient postoperative pulmonary oedema.