What Researchers Did
Researchers reported a case where a patient developed a systemic air embolism during general anesthesia after an artificial pneumothorax was created to help diagnose a mediastinal mass.
What They Found
The patient experienced sudden changes in vital signs and neurological problems, suggesting air had reached both the heart and brain. Despite a 10-hour delay between the air embolism and treatment, the patient recovered well after receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers arterial gas embolism, which is a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
As a single case report, this study's findings may not apply to all patients experiencing systemic air embolism.