How do people get air embolisms?

Instrumentation: Most commonly with any procedure that involves IV access especially central line access. Head and neck surgery , lung injury/trauma with large air leak and scuba diving.

Procedures: Air embolism is caused by air bubbles in the vascular system; venous air embolism can result from the intro of air through IV lines, especially central lines, and generally must be substantial to block pulmonary blood flow and cause symptoms. Arterial air embolism in even small amounts can cause death by blockage of coronary or cerebral arteries.