An Experimental Study of the Treatment of Air Embolism

Air Embolism During Pneumoperitoneum Treatment

“…This position causes the air, which collects in the right ventricle, to move away from the opening of the pulmonarv artery; this allows a limited circulation to proceed even though there is still air in the right ventricle. If, as Forbes (1944) has suggested, death is due to blockage of the pulmonary artery itself or the smaller arterioles of the lungs, then these mancouvres will probably not be successful. Elevation of the feet may also prevent air in the abdominal veins reaching the right ventricle via the inferior vena cava or the cerebral sinuses via the vertebral plexus of veins.…”

“…The administration of oxygen, first suggested or theoretical grounds by Fine, Hermanson, and Frehling (1938), is necessary to promote the rapid absorption of intravascular nitrogen. To do this, the concentration of oxygen inhaled must be as high as possible, and a B.L.B.…”

“…type mask is the most effective method. Experimentally, the administration of 100% oxygen for one to two hours alleviates and sometimes prevents the serious effects of arterial embolism in rabbits (Fine and Fischmann, 1940). As man is less sensitive to the toxic effects of oxygen than rabbits, oxygen may be given for a longer period than this, and it would appear unwise for this period to be shorter than two hours.…”

Oxidized Cellulose Gauze Packing for Nasal Bleeding

“…Death from air admitted to a peripheral vein comes about either through mechanical obliteration of the pulmonary capillary bed, central nervous system embolism or coronary embolism. 8 There is no longer any doubt that air can traverse the pulmonary capillary barrier and gain access to the arteries of the greater circuit. 9 Although the evidence that a vagus reflex can cause death from a pulmonary embolism without sufficient mechanical interference to result in anoxemia or excessive right heart loading is unconvincing,10 yet if the "stage is set" by debility of the patient this seems a possibility in view of the very profound disturbances observed in our patient.…”