Air embolism caused by peripheral superficial vein catheterization: A case report

Abstract

Background: Air embolization is usually an iatrogenic complication that can occur in both veins and arteries. Intravenous air embolization is mainly associated with large central vein catheters and mechanical ventilation. A 59-year-old woman was sent to our hospital with spontaneous cerebral hemorrhage and treated conservatively with a left forearm peripheral venous catheter infusion drug. After 48 hours, the patient’s oxygen saturation decreased to 92 % with snoring breathing. Computer tomography of the head and chest revealed scattered gas in the right subclavian, the right edge of the sternum, the superior vena cava, and the leading edge of the heart shadow. Methods: She was sent to the intensive care unit for high-flow oxygen inhalation and left-side reclining instantly. As the patient was at an acute stage of cerebral hemorrhage and did not take the Trendelenburg position. Results: The computed tomography (CT) scan after 24 hours shows that the air embolism subsides. Conclusion subsections: Air embolism can occur in any clinical scenario, suggesting that medical staff should enhance the ability to identify and deal with air embolism. For similar cases in clinical practice, air embolism can be considered.