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.
Amount of air penetration into the vascular bed Result
Higher volume Fatal right ventricular outflow tract obstruction
Lower volume hypoxemia, disturbances in the ratio of ventilation to perfusion, hypotension, arrhythmia, right-sided heart failure

References

  • PAŘÍZEK, Antonín, a kolektiv. Kritické stavy v porodnictví. 1. vydání edition. Praha : Mother- Care - Centrum Publishing, 2012. 285 pp. ISBN 978-80-7262-949-7.