Abstract
Venous air embolism (VAE), though, clinically benign in majority of cases, the significant
ones can lead to life-threatening cardiopulmonary and neurological consequences. Though
studies mention the success rate of only 6 to 16% in aspirating air from the central
venous catheter (CVC) during VAE, the technique is very specific for diagnosing VAE
and has high therapeutic significance. We report a case in which delayed aspiration
of air emboli from the CVC in suspected massive VAE during decompressive craniectomy
resulted in rapid resolution of hemodynamic instability. If not inserted previously,
CVC may be considered in a hemodynamically unstable patient with suspected VAE.
Keywords
air embolism - central venous catheters - hemodynamic - neurosurgery