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- Title
Death by Air: How Much Is Too Much?
- Authors
Broadhurst, Daphne
- Abstract
Air is an essential life-sustaining element -- but too much of a good thing can be harmful. While the incidence of air embolism may be low and most cases are likely subclinical, this vascular access device--related condition has the potential for severe neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The clinical relevance of a small air embolism is uncertain, as is the amount of air required to cause harm. As this potentially catastrophic complication of infusion therapy is completely avoidable, one case is one too many. This article presents published case reports that illustrate the potential gravity of this complication.
- Subjects
BLOOD vessels; CATHETERIZATION; PREMATURE infants; INTRAVENOUS catheterization; INTRAVENOUS therapy; MEDICAL equipment; PARENTERAL feeding; GAS embolism; MEDICAL device removal; ADVERSE health care events; DISEASE complications; SYMPTOMS; PREVENTION
- Publication
Vascular Access, 2013, Vol 7, Issue 1, p16
- ISSN
1913-6692
- Publication type
Article