Air embolism in association with LeVeen shunt

Although the LeVeen shunt has been used in the treatment of abdominal ascites, it has not been without complications. Pulmonary air embolism secondary to colonic perforation occurred in a patient with ascites and a LeVeen shunt. This resulted in cardiovascular collapse and eventual death. Because of this complication, the LeVeen shunt should be occluded before entering the peritoneal cavity.