Vascular air embolism is a rare but potentially fatal event. It may occur in a variety of procedures and surgeries but is most often associated as an iatrogenic complication of central line catheter insertion. This article reviews the incidence, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this phenomenon.
Keywords: Air embolism; air embolus; arterial air embolism; central line complications; chest trauma; complications of central catheterization; venous air embolism.