Gas Embolism

Symptoms and signs of Gas Embolism, or the presence of bubbles of air or any other gas in the circulation, varies widely and its consequences range from mild discomfort (seen as microbubbles in some cases of decompression illness) to causing rapid death, particularly when caused by various invasive medical/surgical procedures, but occasionally also seen as diving accidents. Upon entering the vascular system, gas bubbles follow the blood stream until they obstruct small vessels. Depending on the access route, gas embolism may be classified as venous or arterial gas embolism. Diagnosis is based on the sudden occurrence of neurological and/or cardio- respiratory manifestations. The effect on the brain is similar to thrombotic or ischaemic stroke, with infarction of vital areas if the circulation is not improved rapidly.