Due to the timely CPR, the
air embolus had already left the lung and migrated to the hepatic vein and inferior vena cava with blood.
Cerebral
air embolus occurs when an air bubble travels through the venous system by rising up through the bloodstream in an upright or mobile patient.
Ordway, "
Air embolus via CVP catheter without positive pressure: presentation of case and review," Annals of Surgery, vol.
Air embolus is a potentially fatal complication of surgical or interventional procedures with an array of systemic complications.
Air embolus following pulmonary interstitial emphysema in hyaline membrane disease.
Sudden neurological or cardiac events after manipulation of a CVC should call attention to a possible paradoxical
air embolus. To prevent such events, any manipulation of CVCs should be undertaken in the supine position.