FreeMD® Air Embolism Definition

Air Embolism

Definition

Air Embolism Definition

Common names:

Air Embolism
Embolism due to Air

A person with an air embolism has air bubbles in arteries that block blood flow to tissues, including the heart and brain. Air embolism can by life threatening and is most common during scuba diving, or during medical procedures.

Continue to Air Embolism Risk Factors

View more Brain blood vessel disease topics

Related Topics:

Decompression illness
Difficulty breathing
Pulmonary embolism
Scuba injuries
More...

Breathing difficulty
Chest pain

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Last Updated: Oct 29, 2008 References

Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD

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Air Embolism References:

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Freiberger JJ, Lyman SJ, Denoble PJ, Pieper CF, Vann RD.Consensus factors used by experts in the diagnosis of decompression illness. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2004 Dec;75(12):1023-8.
Germonpre P. Patent foramen ovale and diving. Cardiol Clin. 2005 Feb;23(1):97-104.
Hunt JC. Diving the wreck: risk and injury in sport scuba diving. Psychoanal Q. 1996 Jul;65(3):591-622.
Moon RE, de Lisle Dear G, Stolp BW. Treatment of decompression illness and latrogenic gas embolism. Respir Care Clin N Am. 1999 Mar;5(1):93-135.
Smerz RW. Age associated risks of recreational scuba diving. Hawaii Med J. 2006 May;65(5):140-1, 153.
Tetzlaff K, Shank ES, Muth CM. Evaluation and management of decompression illness--an intensivist's perspective. Intensive Care Med. 2003 Dec;29(12):2128-36.
Tetzlaff K, Thorsen E.Breathing at depth: physiologic and clinical aspects of diving while breathing compressed gas. Clin Chest Med. 2005 Sep;26(3):355-80, v.