Carbon dioxide embolism during posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy.

We report a case of massive carbon dioxide embolism associated with injury to the inferior vena cava, during posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy. The presenting clinical features were tachycardia, rapid oxygen desaturation and severe respiratory acidosis, without evidence of bleeding. The patient was resuscitated by increasing the fraction of inspired oxygen, administering intravenous fluid and converting to an open procedure to suture the vein. This case demonstrates that gas embolism due to vessel injury during posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy may arise without evidence of bleeding, severe hypotension or an abrupt increase in end-tidal carbon dioxide. Using a high carbon dioxide insufflation pressure in the retroperitoneal space enhances visualisation of the surgical field by decreasing small-calibre vessel bleeding. However, it can contribute to, and delay recognition of, carbon dioxide embolism. Knowledge of the clinical features of carbon dioxide embolism, careful monitoring and vigilance for intra-operative surgical challenges can assist with the detection of this rare but potentially fatal complication.

Ataque isquémico transitorio por embolia aérea iatrogénica secundaria a inyecciones intracavernosas en procedimiento urológico / Transient ischemic attack due to iatrogenic air embolism secondary to intracavernous injections during an urologic procedure

RESUMEN Se presenta un caso de ataque isquémico transitorio con sintomatología compatible con lesión de la circulación cerebral posterior, secundario a embolia aérea iatrogénica. Se describe la evolución clínica y las consideraciones más relevantes de la atención y el diagnóstico del ataque cerebrovascular de la circulación posterior. En cuanto a la embolia gaseosa, se describen los métodos diagnósticos, las intervenciones clínicas y las opciones de tratamiento disponibles.

SUMMARY Here ia a case of transient ischemic attack with symptoms compatible with injury to the posterior cerebral circulation, secondary to iatrogenic air embolism. Clinical evolution and the most relevant aspects for the care and diagnosis of cerebrovascular stroke of the posterior circulation are described. Regarding air embolism, the diagnostic methods, clinical interventions, and available treatment options are described.

Executive Function among Chilean Shellfish Divers: A Cross-Sectional Study Considering Working and Health Conditions in Artisanal Fishing.

Knowledge about professional diving-related risk factors for reduced executive function is limited. We therefore evaluated the association between decompression illness and executive functioning among artisanal divers in southern Chile. The cross-sectional study included 104 male divers and 58 male non-diving fishermen from two fishing communities. Divers self-reported frequency and severity of symptoms of decompression illness. Executive function was evaluated by perseverative responses and perseverative errors in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Age, alcohol consumption, and symptoms of depression were a-priori defined as potential confounders and included in linear regression models. Comparing divers and non-divers, no differences in the executive function were found. Among divers, 75% reported a history of at least mild decompression sickness. Higher frequency and severity of symptoms of decompression illness were associated with reduced executive function. Therefore, intervention strategies for artisanal divers should focus on prevention of decompression illness.

Incidence, risk factors, and prognostic indicators of symptomatic air embolism after percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy: a systematic review and pooled analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence, risk factors, and prognostic indicators of symptomatic air embolism after percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy (PTLB) by conducting a systematic review and pooled analysis. METHODS: We searched the EMBASE and OVID-MEDLINE databases to identify studies that dealt with air embolism after PTLB and had extractable outcomes. The incidence of air embolism was pooled using a random effects model, and the causes of heterogeneity were investigated. To analyze risk factors for symptomatic embolism and unfavorable outcomes, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: The pooled incidence of symptomatic air embolism after PTLB was 0.08% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.048-0.128%; I2 = 45%). In the subgroup analysis and meta-regression, guidance modality and study size were found to explain the heterogeneity. Of the patients with symptomatic air embolism, 32.7% had unfavorable outcomes. The presence of an underlying disease (odds ratio [OR], 5.939; 95% CI, 1.029-34.279; p = 0.046), the use of a ≥ 19-gauge needle (OR, 10.046; 95% CI, 1.103-91.469; p = 0.041), and coronary or intracranial air embolism (OR, 19.871; 95% CI, 2.725-14.925; p = 0.003) were independent risk factors for symptomatic embolism. Unfavorable outcomes were independently associated with the use of aspiration biopsy rather than core biopsy (OR, 3.302; 95% CI, 1.149-9.492; p = 0.027) and location of the air embolism in the coronary arteries or intracranial spaces (OR = 5.173; 95% CI = 1.309-20.447; p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: The pooled incidence of symptomatic air embolism after PTLB was 0.08%, and one-third of cases had sequelae or died. Identifying whether coronary or intracranial emboli exist is crucial in suspected cases of air embolism after PTLB. KEY POINTS: • The pooled incidence of symptomatic air embolism after percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy was 0.08%, and one-third of patients with symptomatic air embolism had sequelae or died. • The risk factors for symptomatic air embolism were the presence of an underlying disease, the use of a ≥ 19-gauge needle, and coronary or intracranial air embolism. • Sequelae and death in patients with symptomatic air embolism were associated with the use of aspiration biopsy and coronary or intracranial locations of the air embolism.

Systemic air embolism depicted on systematic whole thoracic CT acquisition after percutaneous lung biopsy: Incidence and risk factors.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence and risk factors of systemic air embolism (SAE) depicted on systematic whole thoracic CT performed after percutaneous lung biopsy. METHODS: A total of 559 CT-guided lung biopsies performed between April 2014 and May 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. SAE was defined by the presence of air in the aorta or left cardiac cavities seen on whole thorax CT images acquired after needle withdrawal. Analyzed data focused on patient (age, sex, spirometry data, emphysema on CT, therapeutics received), target lesion (location, depth, size and feature) and procedure (patient position, length of intrapulmonary needle path, number of pleural passes and of biopsy samples, operator's experience). A regression logistic model was used to identify risk factors of SAE. RESULTS: SAE was observed after 27 of the 559 lung biopsies, corresponding to a radiological incidence of 4.8% (95%CI: 3.3-7.0). Clinical incidence was 0.17% (n = 1). For 21/27 patients (78%), a targeted acquisition in the nodule area would not have included the cardiac cavities meaning SAE would have been missed. On multivariate analysis, the independent risk factors were needle path length through ventilated lung (OR: 1.13, 95%CI: 1.02-1.25, p = 0.024), number of samples (OR: 1.48, 95%CI: 1.01-2.17, p = 0.046) and prone position (OR: 3.12, 95%CI: 1.11-8.31, p = 0.031) or right-sided lateral decubitus (OR: 6.15, 95%CI: 1.66-22.85, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic systemic air embolism can be depicted in almost 5% of post biopsy CT examinations, when they are not limited to the targeted nodule area but include the entire thorax.

Air Embolism during Upper Endoscopy: A Case Report.

Air embolism is a rare complication of upper endoscopy and potentially causes life-threatening events. A 67-year-old man with a history of surgery of cardiac carcinoma and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor underwent painless upper endoscopy because of tarry stools. During the procedure, air embolism developed, which caused decreased pulse oxygen saturation and delayed sedation recovery. He recovered with some weakness of the left upper limb in the intensive care unit without hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The etiology, clinical manifestations, and treatments of air embolism are discussed based on the literature reports. Although air embolism is uncommon in endoscopic examinations, the patients' outcomes could be improved if clinicians are alert to this potential complication, and promptly start proper diagnostic and therapeutic measures.

Can variable practice habits and injection port dead-volume put patients at risk?

Injection ports used to administer medications and draw blood samples have inherent dead-volume. This volume can potentially lead to inadvertent drug administration, contribute to erroneous laboratory values by dilution of blood samples, and increase the risk of vascular air embolism. We sought to characterize provider practice in management of intravenous (IV) and arterial lines and measure dead-volumes of various injection ports. A survey was circulated to anesthesiology physicians and nurses to determine practice habits when administering medications and drawing blood samples. Dead-volume of one and four-way injection ports was determined by injecting methylene blue to simulate medication administration or blood sample aspiration and using absorption spectroscopy to measure sample concentration. Among the 65 survey respondents, most (64.52%) increase mainstream flow rate to flush medication given by a 1-way injection port. When using 4-way stopcocks, 56.45% flush through the same injection site. To obtain a sample from an arterial line, 67.74% draw back blood and collect the sample from the same 4-way stopcock; 32.26% use a different stopcock. Mean (SD) dead-volume in microliters ranged from 0.1 (0.0) to 5.6 (1.0) in 1-way injection ports and from 54.1 (2.8) to 126.5 (8.3) in 4-way injection ports. The practices of our providers when giving medications and drawing blood samples are variable. The dead-volume associated with injection ports used at our institution may be clinically significant, increasing errors in medication delivery and laboratory analysis.

Application of regional hepatic in-and outflow occlusion for laparoscopic left hemi-hepatectomy / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective To evaluate regional left sided in and out flow hepatic flow occlusion in laparoscopic left hemi-hepatectomy compared with in hepatic flow occlusion.Methods From Jan.2016 to Dec.2017,34 patients underwent laparoscopic left hemi-hepatectomy with regional hepatic in-out flow occlusion.Results were compared with 52 patients undergoing laparoscopic left hemi-hepatectomy under leftsided hepatic inflow occlusion only.Results Compared to hepatic inflow occlusion,regional hepatic in and out flow occlusion in laparoscopic left hemi-hepatectomy lead to a 0.46 hour longer operation time,20 ml less intraoperative blood loss and 0.62U less blood transfusion,reduced hepatic function impairment and 1.41 days shorter hospital stay.Conclusions Regional hepatic in-out flow occlusion in laparoscopic left hemi-hepatectomy can reduce intraoperative hemorrhage and lower the risk of CO2 embolism.

Air Embolism during Upper Endoscopy: A Case Report

Air embolism is a rare complication of upper endoscopy and potentially causes life-threatening events. A 67-year-old man with a history of surgery of cardiac carcinoma and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor underwent painless upper endoscopy because of tarry stools. During the procedure, air embolism developed, which caused decreased pulse oxygen saturation and delayed sedation recovery. He recovered with some weakness of the left upper limb in the intensive care unit without hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The etiology, clinical manifestations, and treatments of air embolism are discussed based on the literature reports. Although air embolism is uncommon in endoscopic examinations, the patients’ outcomes could be improved if clinicians are alert to this potential complication, and promptly start proper diagnostic and therapeutic measures.

Status epilepticus due to cerebral air embolism after the Valsalva maneuver

BACKGROUND: Cerebral air embolism is uncommon but potentially causes catastrophic events such as cardiac damage or even death. However, due to a low overall incidence, it may go undiagnosed. CASE REPORT: A 56-year-old man with a medical history of right upper lobectomy due to lung cancer showed changes in mental status after the Valsalva maneuver, followed by status epilepticus during admission. Brain and chest computed tomography showed cerebral air embolism and accidental pneumothorax in the right major fissure. After antiepileptic drug infusion and oxygen therapy, he recovered completely. CONCLUSION: Since cerebral air embolism may result in fatal outcomes, it should be suspected in patients with sudden neurological deterioration after routine medical procedures.

[Effects of pneumoperitoneal pressure on air embolism duringlaparoscopic hepatectomy and degree of postoperative inflammation].

Objective: To investigate the incidence and severity of embolicevents, and degree of postoperative inflammation when pneumoperitoneal pressures 15 mmHg and 12 mmHg were used during laparoscopic hepatectomy. Methods: A computer-generated 1∶1 randomization protocol was used to assign fifty patients to either the 15 mmHg(P15, n=25) or 12 mmHg(P12, n=25) group. Throughout the surgery, air embolisms were detected by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and graded based on their size. Vital signs, arterial blood gases (ABG), P(ET)CO(2) levels, blood loss, operative time and postoperative hospital stays were monitored. 2 ml blood samples were taken before and after operation finished 0, 12 and 24 h by using EDTA anticoagulated tubes in order to detect the IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 level in plasma. Results: CO(2) embolism occurred in 100% of the enrolled patients. The frequencies of severe air embolism were 76%(n=19) in P15 group and 52% (n=13) in P12 group, respectively. The duration of severe embolism episodes in P15 group was much longer than that in P12 group[(58.0±22.6) s vs(36.6±17.8)s, t=3.71, P<0.01]. The incidence of complications in group P15 was 24%, which was higher than that in group P12 of 4%(χ(2)=4.15, P<0.05). The postoperative pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and TNF-α in group P15 at the point of 12 hour after operation[685.66(435.18-935.52)ng/L, 31.00(18.29-41.15)ng/L]were statistically higher than those in group P12 [480.50(255.28-685.34) ng/L, 21.00(14.87-31.64) ng/L, P<0.05], whereas the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in P15 group[18.00(5.75-30.55) ng/L]was statistically lower than the P12 group [26.89(15.03-38.00) ng/L, P<0.05]. There was no statistical difference in operative time, blood loss and postoperative hospital stay between the two groups. Conclusion: The higher pneumoperitoneal pressure during laparoscopic hepatectomy causes more serious gas embolism, prolongs embolic duration and lead to more sever inflammatory response.

Two Cases of Cerebral Air Embolism That Occurred during Esophageal Ballooning and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography.

Cerebral air embolism is an extremely rare complication of endoscopic procedure and often life threatening. We present two cases of cerebral infarction due to air embolization caused by an endoscopic intervention. The first case occurred during esophageal balloon dilatation for the treatment of a stricture of an anastomosis site in a 59-year-old man and the second case occurred during endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation in a 69-year-old man who had distal common bile duct stones. After the procedure, cardiopulmonary instability and altered mental status were observed in both patients, and cerebral air embolism was diagnosed in both cases. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was started in the first case, and high FiO2 therapy was applied in the second case. Although this complication is rare, patient outcomes can be improved if physicians are aware of this potential complication, and immediately begin proper management.

Two Cases of Cerebral Air Embolism That Occurred during Esophageal Ballooning and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

Cerebral air embolism is an extremely rare complication of endoscopic procedure and often life threatening. We present two cases of cerebral infarction due to air embolization caused by an endoscopic intervention. The first case occurred during esophageal balloon dilatation for the treatment of a stricture of an anastomosis site in a 59-year-old man and the second case occurred during endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation in a 69-year-old man who had distal common bile duct stones. After the procedure, cardiopulmonary instability and altered mental status were observed in both patients, and cerebral air embolism was diagnosed in both cases. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was started in the first case, and high FiO2 therapy was applied in the second case. Although this complication is rare, patient outcomes can be improved if physicians are aware of this potential complication, and immediately begin proper management.

Intrajugular balloon catheter reduces air embolism in vitro and in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Neurosurgical procedures requiring a sitting position may put the patient at risk of a potentially life-threatening air embolism. Transient manual jugular venous compression limits further air entry in this situation. This study presents an alternative technique aimed at reducing the risk of air embolism. METHODS: In an in vitro model, an intrajugular balloon catheter was inserted to demonstrate that this device prevents air embolism. In an in vivo study, this device was bilaterally placed into jugular vessels in pigs. Using an ultrasound technique, blood flow was monitored and jugular venous pressure was recorded before and during cuff inflation. Air was applied proximally to the inflated cuffs to test the hypothesis that this novel device blocks air passage. RESULTS: In vitro, the intrajugular balloon catheter reliably prevented further air entry (n=10). Additionally, accumulated air could be aspirated from an orifice of the catheter (n=10). In vivo, inflation of the catheter balloon completely obstructed venous blood flow (n=8). Bilateral inflation of the cuff significantly increased the proximal jugular venous pressure from 9.8 (2.4) mm Hg to 14.5 (2.5) mm Hg (n=8, P<0.05). Under conditions mimicking an air embolism, air passage across the inflated cuffs was prevented and 78 (20%) (n=6) of the air dose could be aspirated by the proximal orifice of the catheter. CONCLUSIONS: These findings may serve as a starting point for the development of intrajugular balloon catheters designed to reduce the risk of air embolism in patients undergoing neurosurgery in a sitting position.

Embolismo aéreo venoso en neurocirugía / Venous air embolism in neurosurgery

Venous air embolism is a potentially serious neurosurgical complication. Every neurosurgical procedure is at risk of developing the condition but the sitting and semi-sitting position represent a higher risk. The neuroanesthesiologist plays a key role in the management of the venous air embolism, from diagnosis to treatment. This article reviews the literature on air embolism in terms of its incidence, etiology, diagnosis and therapy.

El embolismo aéreo venoso es una complicacion de neurocirugia que puede llegar a ser potencialmente seria. Todos los procedimientos neuroquirurgicos tienen riesgo de presentarlo, siendo las posiciones sentada y semisentada las que mayor riesgo conllevan. El neuroanestesiologo forma parte primordial en el manejo del embolismo aéreo venoso, desde su diagnostico hasta el tratamiento. Este articulo revisa la literatura relacionada conel embolismo aéreo en cuanto a incidencia, etiologia, diagnostico y terapéutica.

Fatal Cerebral Air Embolism Due to a Patent Foramen Ovale during Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography.

Fatal air embolism to the cerebrum during an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has not been reported in a patient with a biliodigestive anastomosis and multiresistant extended-spectrum ß-lactamase Escherichia coli (ESBL) bacteremia. A 59-year-old woman with a history of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and iatrogenic injury of the right choledochal duct, choledochojejunostomy (biliodigestive anastomosis), recurrent cholangitis, revision of the biliodigestive anastomosis, recurrent liver abscesses, and recurrent stenting of stenotic bile ducts, was admitted because of fever and tenderness of the right upper quadrant. On ERCP, a previously deployed covered Wallstent was replaced. Blood cultures grew ESBL. After stent removal 8 days later, the patient did not wake up and developed arterial hypotension and respiratory insufficiency, requiring mechanical ventilation. Computed tomography scans showed extensive air embolism to the liver, heart, and cerebrum. She died 1 day later. Although the exact pathogenesis of the fatal cerebral air embolism remains speculative, the nonphysiological anatomy and chronic infection with ESBL may have been contributory factors.

Fatal Cerebral Air Embolism Due to a Patent Foramen Ovale during Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

Fatal air embolism to the cerebrum during an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has not been reported in a patient with a biliodigestive anastomosis and multiresistant extended-spectrum beta-lactamase Escherichia coli (ESBL) bacteremia. A 59-year-old woman with a history of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and iatrogenic injury of the right choledochal duct, choledochojejunostomy (biliodigestive anastomosis), recurrent cholangitis, revision of the biliodigestive anastomosis, recurrent liver abscesses, and recurrent stenting of stenotic bile ducts, was admitted because of fever and tenderness of the right upper quadrant. On ERCP, a previously deployed covered Wallstent was replaced. Blood cultures grew ESBL. After stent removal 8 days later, the patient did not wake up and developed arterial hypotension and respiratory insufficiency, requiring mechanical ventilation. Computed tomography scans showed extensive air embolism to the liver, heart, and cerebrum. She died 1 day later. Although the exact pathogenesis of the fatal cerebral air embolism remains speculative, the nonphysiological anatomy and chronic infection with ESBL may have been contributory factors.

Fatal cerebral air embolism related to an air flight.

A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease developed a cough, loss of consciousness, and convulsions during an air flight. Chest radiography showed a large lung bulla. Computed tomography of the brain showed intraparenchymal air and bilateral cerebral infarcts. The findings were compatible with cerebral air embolism, most likely predisposed to by lung bulla and an air flight. The underlying pathology and possible treatment are discussed.

Embolia gasosa venosa inadvertida durante cesariana: bolsas retráteis ​​para líquidos intravenosos sem saídas autovedantes oferecem riscos. Relato de caso / Inadvertent venous air embolism during cesarean section: collapsible intravenous fluid bags without self-sealing outlet have risks. Case report / Embolia gaseosa venosa inadvertida durante cesárea: bolsas retráctiles para líquidos intravenosos sin salida de autosellado ofrecen riesgos. Relato de caso

O anestesiologista deve estar ciente das causas, do diagnóstico e do tratamento de embolia venosa e adotar padrões de prática para prevenir sua ocorrência. Embora a embolia gasosa seja uma complicação conhecida da cesariana, descrevemos um caso raro de desatenção que causou embolia gasosa iatrogênica quase fatal durante uma cesariana sob raquianestesia. uma das razões para o uso de bolsas autorretráteis para infusão em vez dos frascos convencionais de vidro ou plástico é a precaução contra embolia gasosa. Também demonstramos o risco de embolia venosa com o uso de dois tipos de bolsas plásticas retráteis (à base de cloreto de polivinil [PVC] e de polipropileno) para líquidos intravenosos. As bolsas para líquidos sem saídas autovedantes apresentam risco de embolia gasosa se o sistema de fechamento estiver quebrado, enquanto a flexibilidade da bolsa limita a quantidade de entrada de ar. bolsas à base de pvc, que têm mais flexibilidade, apresentam risco significativamente menor de entrada de ar quando o equipo de administração intravenosa (IV) é desconectado da saída. usar uma bolsa pressurizada para infusão rápida sem verificar e esvaziar todo o ar da bolsa IV pode ser perigoso.

The anesthesiologist must be aware of the causes, diagnosis and treatment of venous air embolism and adopt the practice patterns to prevent its occurrence. Although venous air embolism is a known complication of cesarean section, we describe an unusual inattention that causes iatrogenic near fatal venous air embolism during a cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. One of the reasons for using self-collapsible intravenous (IV) infusion bags instead of conventional glass or plastic bottles is to take precaution against air embolism. We also demonstrated the risk of air embolism for two kinds of plastic collapsible intravenous fluid bags: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polypropylene-based. Fluid bags without self-sealing outlets pose a risk for air embolism if the closed system is broken down, while the flexibility of the bag limits the amount of air entry. PVC-based bags, which have more flexibility, have signifi cantly less risk of air entry when IV administration set is disconnected from the outlet. Using a pressure bag for rapid infusion can be dangerous without checking and emptying all air from the IV bag.

El anestesiólogo debe de estar consciente de las causas, del diagnóstico y del tratamiento de la embolia venosa, y adoptar los estándares de práctica para prevenir su aparecimiento. Aunque la embolia gaseosa sea una complicación conocida de la cesárea, describimos aquí un caso raro de falta de atención que causó embolia gaseosa iatrogénica casi fatal durante una cesárea bajo raquianestesia. Una de las razones para el uso de bolsas autoretráctiles para infusión en vez de los frascos convencionales de vidrio o plástico, es la precaución contra la embolia gaseosa. También demostramos riesgo de embolia venosa con el uso de dos tipos de bolsas plásticas retráctiles (a base de cloruro de polivinil [PVC] y de polipropileno) para líquidos intravenosos. Las bolsas para líquidos sin salidas de autosellado, tienen un riesgo de embolia gaseosa si el sistema de cierre está roto, mientras la flexibilidad de la bolsa limita la cantidad de entrada de aire. Bolsas hechas a base de PVC, y que tienen más flexibilidad, también tienen un riesgo signifi cativamente menor de entrada de aire cuando el equipo de administración intravenosa (IV) se apaga en la salida. Usar una bolsa de presión para la infusión rápida sin verifi car y vaciar todo el aire de la bolsa IV puede ser peligroso.

Cerebral air embolism following pigtail catheter insertion for pleural fluid drainage.

Pigtail catheter drainage is a common procedure for the treatment of pleural effusion and pneumothorax. The most common complications of pigtail catheter insertion are pneumothorax, hemorrhage and chest pains. Cerebral air embolism is rare, but often fatal. In this paper, we report a case of cerebral air embolism in association with the insertion of a pigtail catheter for the drainage of a pleural effusion. A 67-year-old man is being presented with dyspnea, cough and right-side chest pains and was administered antibiotics for the treatment of pneumonia. The pneumonia failed to resolve and a loculated parapneumonic pleural effusion developed. A pigtail catheter was inserted in order to drain the pleural effusion, which resulted in cerebral air embolism. The patient was administered high-flow oxygen therapy and recovered without any neurologic complications.