Air embolism in obstetrics

Air embolism in obstetrics can be encountered both in vaginal births and in caesarean sections. In caesarean sections, which are performed under general anesthesia, we find an incidence of up to 97%. Most of these emboli have a subclinical course.

Symptoms
Massive air embolism in obstetrics ⇒ hypotension and hypoxemia ⇒ cardiac arrest.

The most common symptoms :


 * pain in the chest
 * decrease in blood oxygen saturation (SpO 2 )
 * dyspnoea.

Pathophysiology
Factors increasing the occurrence of air embolism:


 * the pressure gradient between the heart and the operative field is equal to -5cmH 2 O
 * low central venous pressure.

Related articles

 * Pregnancy
 * Birth
 * Caesarean section
 * Air embolism