Definition...: An air embolism occurs when air is introduced into the vascular system. In order for it to cause significant harm, it would need to be a fairly large amount of air introduced into one of the more central blood vessels. It can result in cardiac arrest and possibly death if the air is not removed quickly. It is a risk of certain procedures like central line (type of iv) placement and removal.
Answered 5/10/2014
4.1k views
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your question