Air Embolism in a Patient during Hemodialysis

Kao JF, Lu HC and Kao HH

Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Kwei-San, Taiwan
Ruixuan Clinic, Taipei, Taiwan
Division of Nephrology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kwei-San, Taiwan

^*Correspondance to: Hao-Hsi Kao 

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Abstract:

Air embolism is a rare complication of the use of Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF) as vascular access for hemodialysis. We report a patient with AVF who suffered from cough, chest pain, dyspnea and hemodynamic change, because of air leak via dialysis tubing that resulted in pulmonary edema. This case illustrates that micro-air-bubbles may leak into the circulation; even the air detector is in operation. The pathophysiologic sequence of pulmonary air-embolism has been discussed.

Keywords:

Air embolism; Microbubble; Hemodialysis

Cite the Article:

Kao JF, Lu HC, Kao HH. Air Embolism in a Patient during Hemodialysis. Clin Case Rep Int. 2022; 6: 1445..