Review of Air Embolism for the Interventional Radiologist

Abstract

Air embolism is an uncommon but well-described complication of day-to-day interventional radiology procedures. When symptoms manifest, air embolism often results in severe morbidity or even death. Thus, an understanding of how to prevent, recognize, and manage air embolism is imperative for interventional radiologists. This article reviews the pathophysiology, etiology, diagnosis and treatment, and prognosis of air embolism.