ABSTRACT
Air embolism is an iatrogenic ingress of air into the vascular system. Air is by far the most common gas which may cause embolism. However, embolism may occur following use of other gases such as carbon dioxide (laparoscopy) and nitrous oxide. Venous air embolism is most common. Arterial air embolism can occur as a result of air crossing into the systemic circulation via heart defects or pulmonary shunts. Other causes of arterial air embolism involve direct cannulation such as in cardiac surgery or angiography.
