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A Porcine Model of Acute Autologous Pulmonary Embolism
Published on: September 6, 2024
Fatal venous air embolism after removal of a central venous catheter
R F Sing1, T J Steffe, C C Branas
1Department of Surgery, Graduate Hospital, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
Abstract:
Venous air embolism is an infrequent, but potentially disastrous, occurrence after the insertion or removal of central venous catheters. The authors describe fatal venous air embolism after removal of a central venous catheter in a 43-year-old man recovering from coronary artery bypass surgery. They discuss the pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Several practical considerations are necessary to prevent this complication of central venous catheterization, a procedure commonly delegated to junior house officers.
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