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Article
August 1981

Postoperative Venous Air Embolism After Removal of Neck Drains

Author Affiliations

From the Departments of Anesthesiology (Drs Chang, Bedger, and Bleyaert) and Otolaryngology (Drs Skolnick and Schramm), Eye and Ear Hospital, Pittsburgh.

Arch Otolaryngol. 1981;107(8):494-496. doi:10.1001/archotol.1981.00790440034010
Abstract

• Venous air embolism has been known to be a major hazard during diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical procedures. An acute massive venous air embolism can cause obstruction of the pulmonary outflow tract and subsequently result in cardiac standstill. Sudden cardiopulmonary instability occurred in a patient after removal of neck drains. Various methods of diagnosis and treatment can be used to manage this complication. An awareness of this potential complication and early diagnosis with prompt management are critical.

(Arch Otolaryngol 1981;107:494-496)

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