Air embolism associated with wounds from a pin-type head-holder

Abstract

✓ A case of intraoperative air embolism during posterior fossa surgery performed with the patient in the sitting position is reported. The entry site was through a comminuted fracture and scalp laceration resulting from faulty application of a pin-type head-holder. The possible role played by a large tension pneumocephalus in the ingress of venous air is also discussed. Simple precautions regarding the use of the pin-type head-holder are suggested to lessen the possibility of air embolism through the puncture wounds.