Paradoxical Air Embolism (PAE)

Paradoxical air embolism happens when tiny air bubbles that normally enter the veins (the “return” side of your circulation) find an abnormal shortcut to the arteries (the “supply” side) and then get stuck in small blood vessels of the brain, heart, spinal cord, or other organs. The shortcut is usually a right-to-left shunt such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) (a flap-like opening between the heart’s top chambers) or a pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) (an abnormal direct connection inside the lungs). When pressures briefly shift—like during a Valsalva (bearing down), coughing, or with certain procedures—air can cross that shunt and block blood flow in places where it should never go. NCBI+1ASEChest Journal

Paradoxical air embolism happens when bubbles of air that entered a vein cross to the arterial side (through a heart or lung shortcut) and block blood flow to the brain, heart, or other organs. This can cause stroke-like symptoms, chest pain, or collapse, and needs immediate medical treatment. NCBI+1

Air can get into the venous system during medical procedures, trauma, or diving. Usually those tiny bubbles are filtered out in the lungs. In paradoxical air embolism, air slips past that filter and crosses to the arterial side. This happens most often through a small flap-like opening between the top chambers of the heart called a patent foramen ovale (PFO), an atrial septal defect (ASD), or through a pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM)—an abnormal shortcut in the lung’s blood vessels. Once air reaches an artery, it can lodge in the brain (causing stroke-like symptoms), in heart arteries (causing chest pain/arrhythmia), or elsewhere. NCBI+2NCBI+2

Why it’s dangerous: An air bubble blocks blood like a cork; the tissue beyond it loses oxygen. Air also irritates the vessel lining and can set off inflammation and clotting, worsening injury. Fast recognition and treatment improve outcomes. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) is often recommended when the brain or heart is involved. uhms.orgBioMed Central

Air can enter your venous blood during medical procedures (for example, while placing or removing a central venous catheter, during certain surgeries, or with pressurized gas in laparoscopy), after lung injury, or in diving accidents. Normally, your lungs act like a filter, catching most venous air so it never reaches the arteries. But if a shunt exists (like a PFO or a PAVM) or if right-sided heart pressure rises briefly, air bubbles can bypass or overwhelm the lung filter and slide into the arterial side—this is the “paradox.” There they behave like tiny plugs, cutting off oxygen to tissues and triggering inflammation. MDPINCBIATS Journals

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Types

1. By the path the air takes to the arteries

   • Intracardiac shunt-mediated PAE (through a PFO or less commonly an ASD)—often provoked by a pressure spike (e.g., with Valsalva or coughing). NCBIASE

   • Transpulmonary shunt-mediated PAE (through PAVMs in the lungs)—these bypass the normal capillary filter and allow air (and clots) straight into the arterial tree. NCBIATS Journals

2. By where the air ends up

   • Cerebral PAE (stroke-like problems), coronary PAE (chest pain/heart rhythm issues), spinal cord PAE (weakness), or systemic organ PAE (gut, skin, kidneys). NCBI

3. By clinical setting

   • Iatrogenic (medical-procedure related: central lines, neurosurgery in the sitting position, laparoscopic surgery, dialysis, cardiac/vascular procedures).

   • Trauma / barotrauma / diving (lung injury or pressure changes forcing air into vessels). ThiemeScienceDirectco2angio.orgNCBI

4. By bubble load

   • Micro-embolism (many tiny bubbles, subtler symptoms) vs macro-embolism (a larger bolus with sudden, severe collapse). MDPI

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Common causes

1. Central venous catheter (CVC) insertion — air can be sucked into the vein while a line is placed, especially if the patient is upright or breathing in. If a PFO/PAVM is present, air can cross to arteries. PMC

2. CVC removal — a known time of risk; a little air can be entrained through the tract and lead to cerebral PAE if a shunt exists. JKSR Online+1PMCAmerican Journal of Medicine

3. Neurosurgery in the sitting position — the surgical field sits above the heart so venous air can enter; with a PFO, paradoxical spread is possible. ThiemeScienceDirect

4. Posterior fossa/cranial procedures — similar reason; high incidence of venous air embolism and potential for paradoxical passage. commons.und.edu

5. Laparoscopic/robotic surgery (CO₂ insufflation) — pressurized gas can enter veins; a sudden drop in exhaled CO₂ and a “mill-wheel” murmur may occur; with shunt, PAE can follow. co2angio.orgCureus

6. Cardiac surgery or de-airing failure — residual intracardiac air can traverse abnormal channels to cause arterial emboli. MDPI

7. Interventional radiology/cardiology procedures — line exchanges, angiography, or device work can introduce small venous air loads that become paradoxical with a shunt. MDPI

8. Hemodialysis/ECMO circuits — tubing and connections can admit air; if right-to-left shunting exists, arterial organs are at risk. MDPI

9. Pressurized IV infusions — if safeguards fail, air can be driven into veins; with PFO/PAVM, paradoxical spread can occur. MDPI

10. Positive-pressure ventilation or Valsalva-like maneuvers — briefly raise right-sided heart pressures and can flip flow across a PFO during a bubble event. (This is why echo labs ask patients to Valsalva during a bubble study.) ASE

11. Pulmonary barotrauma from mechanical ventilation — damaged alveoli can connect air to vessels; if a shunt is present, this can become PAE. NCBI

12. Decompression illness/diving — gas bubbles can enter arteries (arterial gas embolism) after lung barotrauma and can also follow shunt pathways. NCBI

13. Severe chest trauma — lacerated veins communicate with air; paradoxical passage occurs if a shunt is present. MDPI

14. Orthopedic/spine surgery — long bony venous channels above the heart allow air in; if a shunt exists, brain/heart can be seeded. Lippincott Journals

15. Obstetric/gynecologic surgery — pelvic venous sinuses can entrain air; paradoxical emboli are rare but possible with shunt. MDPI

16. Hepatic surgery and liver trauma — large, low-pressure venous beds open to air; paradoxical spread requires a shunt. MDPI

17. PAVM itself — this lung abnormality is a right-to-left shortcut; even small, routine venous air (e.g., from IVs) can become arterial. NCBI

18. Echo bubble studies (rare, usually safe) — agitated saline creates microbubbles on purpose to diagnose shunts; labs use safety measures, but this shows how bubbles can cross a PFO. ASE

19. Persistent left superior vena cava to left atrium or other rare venous anomalies — unusual venous routes can bypass lung filters. Cardioserv

20. Any situation with sudden line disconnections, loose stopcocks, or open venous sinuses above the heart — classic recipe for venous air that may become paradoxical with a shunt. MDPI

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Symptoms and signs

Symptoms depend on how much air enters, how fast, and where it lands.

1. Sudden shortness of breath or feeling you cannot get air. MDPI

2. Chest pain or tightness; sometimes palpitations. MDPI

3. Light-headedness, fainting, or collapse in severe cases. MDPI

4. Confusion, trouble speaking, weakness or numbness on one side, or vision loss—stroke-like features if the brain is hit. NCBI

5. Seizures or altered consciousness in cerebral involvement. MDPI

6. New, severe headache or dizziness/vertigo. MDPI

7. Coughing (sometimes persistent) or wheezing. NCBI

8. Bluish lips/skin (cyanosis) from low oxygen. NCBI

9. Fast breathing (tachypnea) and fast or irregular heartbeat. NCBI

10. Low blood pressure (hypotension) or shock if the air load is large. Medscape

11. “Impending doom” sensation described in severe cases. MDPI

12. Nausea/vomiting in some patients with cerebral involvement. MDPI

13. A new heart sound called the “mill-wheel murmur”—a loud, churning, machinery-like noise over the chest in significant venous air embolism (a late sign, not always present). NCBIMedscape

14. Raised neck veins (JVD) during right-heart strain. Medscape

15. Skin mottling (marbling) in severe systemic events. MDPI

Important: these complaints are nonspecific and can mimic many emergencies. The diagnosis comes from context (a risky procedure or line manipulation), sudden onset, and target-organ symptoms (brain, heart, or lungs). MDPI

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Diagnostic tests

No single lab test “proves” paradoxical air embolism. Doctors put together the story, bedside changes, and imaging/monitoring that show bubbles and/or a right-to-left shunt.

A) Physical exam (what the clinician can find right away)

1. Vital signs — fast heart rate, fast breathing, low oxygen, low blood pressure. These point to cardiopulmonary stress after a risk moment (e.g., line removal). Medscape

2. Precordial auscultation — the mill-wheel murmur may be heard in substantial venous air embolism. Medscape

3. Neuro exam — new focal deficits, aphasia, visual loss, or seizures suggest cerebral involvement. NCBI

4. Jugular venous distension and signs of right-heart strain on exam. Medscape

5. Skin/oxygenation clues — cyanosis or mottling in severe events. NCBI

B) Manual/bedside maneuvers (used to unmask a shunt during testing)

6. Valsalva maneuver during an agitated saline (“bubble”) echocardiogram — briefly raises right-atrial pressure to show a PFO by forcing bubbles across; appearance of bubbles in the left atrium within a few heartbeats confirms a right-to-left intracardiac shunt. ASE

7. Cough maneuver during bubble study — same idea as Valsalva, helps drive bubbles through a PFO if present. ASE

8. Abdominal compression during bubble study — an operator-applied push that transiently boosts right-sided pressures to reveal a shunt. ASE

9. Release phase timing of Valsalva (performing the strain and then releasing at the right moment) — increases diagnostic yield in echo labs. ASE

10. Breath-hold/sniff maneuvers sometimes used with transcranial Doppler bubble testing to accentuate right-to-left passage. PMC

C) Laboratory / pathological tests (supportive, rule-in the context, rule-out others)

11. Arterial blood gas (ABG) — may show low oxygen or widened A-a gradient during an event; not specific but supports pulmonary compromise. NCBI

12. **Serum lactate — can rise with poor tissue perfusion/oxygenation during a big embolic load. (Supportive, not specific.) MDPI

13. Cardiac enzymes (troponin) — if chest pain/ECG changes occur, enzymes help assess myocardial involvement. MDPI

14. Basic chemistries/CBC — rule out alternative explanations for collapse (e.g., severe anemia, electrolyte issues); these are adjuncts. MDPI

15. D-dimer — nonspecific; can be abnormal after many stresses; not diagnostic for air embolism but may be checked in a broader embolic workup. MDPI

D) Electrodiagnostic / physiologic monitoring (real-time clues)

16. Electrocardiogram (ECG) — may show tachyarrhythmias, right-heart strain, or ischemic changes when coronary or pulmonary circulation is affected. Medscape

17. Capnography (end-tidal CO₂) — a sudden drop in exhaled CO₂ is a classic intra-operative clue to gas embolism; it’s sensitive to acute venous gas entry. American Journal of Roentgenology

18. Electroencephalography (EEG) — used if seizures or unexplained coma follow a suspected event; supports cerebral involvement but is not specific for air. MDPI

E) Imaging and specialized ultrasound (the highest-yield confirmations)

19. Precordial Doppler ultrasound — a very sensitive noninvasive monitor for venous air emboli in the operating room; picks up tiny air loads before vital signs crash. coreem.net

20. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) — can directly visualize intracardiac bubbles and a PFO/ASD; excellent to confirm right-to-left shunting and to show real-time bubble passage. PMC

21. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with agitated saline (“bubble study”) — widely used to detect PFO; bubbles appearing in the left atrium within 3–5 beats imply an intracardiac shunt. ASE

22. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) with bubble test — detects cerebral microbubbles (high-intensity signals) and grades shunt size noninvasively. coreem.net

23. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) — very sensitive for venous air detection and can guide catheter aspiration in selected cases. PubMed

24. Head CT — may show intravascular or intraparenchymal air soon after a cerebral event; can be normal if imaging is delayed. JKSR Online

25. Brain MRI (DWI) — can demonstrate acute infarcts from paradoxical air emboli even when the air itself is no longer visible. JKSR Online

26. Chest CT — sometimes shows air in the heart or pulmonary vessels and may suggest a PAVM if present. NCBI

27. Chest radiograph — low sensitivity; may show signs of right-heart strain or, rarely, intracardiac air; mainly used to evaluate lines/tubes and other causes. MDPI

28. Targeted imaging for PAVMs (contrast CT, catheter angiography) — identifies and characterizes shunts that enable paradoxical emboli; also used for treatment planning. Cardiovascular Diagnosis and TherapyAmerican Journal of Roentgenology

Non-pharmacological treatments

1. Stop the source (clamp/disconnect primed lines; flood surgical field with saline). Purpose: prevent more air. Mechanism: removes pressure gradient that sucks air in. sarasotaanesthesia.com

2. 100% oxygen (via mask or ventilator) right away. Purpose: shrink bubbles and raise blood oxygen. Mechanism: washes out nitrogen, so bubbles get smaller and tissues get more O₂. westjem.com

3. Patient positioning for suspected venous air: left lateral + head-down (Durant). Purpose: trap air in right heart, away from lungs. Mechanism: buoyant air rises to the right atrium/ventricle apex. Medscape

4. Positioning for suspected arterial/cerebral gas: flat/supine, avoid prolonged steep Trendelenburg. Purpose: protect brain. Mechanism: minimizes raised intracranial pressure. NCBI

5. Urgent Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) for brain/heart symptoms. Purpose: salvage threatened tissue and shrink bubbles. Mechanism: high pressure + 100% O₂ reduces bubble size and hyper-oxygenates tissue; earlier is better. BioMed Centraluhms.org

6. Right-atrial catheter aspiration (if available). Purpose: physically remove air. Mechanism: multi-orifice catheter sucks bubbles from the right atrium/RV. jvsmedicscorner.com

7. Circuit checks and de-airing in the OR/ICU. Purpose: stop further entrainment. Mechanism: eliminates small leak paths. jvsmedicscorner.com

8. Switch GI insufflation gas from air to CO₂. Purpose: prevent recurrence during endoscopy. Mechanism: CO₂ dissolves/absorbs far faster than air. PMCgiejournal.org

9. Avoid nitrous oxide. Purpose: stop expansion of trapped gas. Mechanism: N₂O diffuses into bubbles and enlarges them. Medscape

10. Hemodynamic support with IV fluids. Purpose: maintain blood pressure and right-sided filling to reduce suction of air. Mechanism: raises venous pressure, improves perfusion. sarasotaanesthesia.com

11. Control ventilation carefully. Purpose: avoid excessive PEEP that could push venous air across a PFO. Mechanism: keeps right-atrial pressure from exceeding left-atrial pressure. WFSA Resource Library

12. Early neurology and hyperbaric consultation. Purpose: time-critical decisions. Mechanism: coordinated transfer for HBO when indicated. Frontiers

13. Continuous monitoring (ECG, SpO₂, ETCO₂). Purpose: detect deterioration fast. Mechanism: trend changes that signal more air. NCBI

14. Stroke care bundle if focal deficits persist (air may have already caused infarct). Purpose: reduce complications. Mechanism: standardized neurocritical care pathways. Cambridge University Press & Assessment

15. Treat seizures promptly (see drugs below). Purpose: protect brain. Mechanism: stops excess neuronal firing. PMC

16. Consider PFO/PAVM closure later to prevent recurrence in patients with documented shunt and high-risk exposure. Purpose: eliminate the shortcut. Mechanism: device occlusion or embolization. NCBIAmerican Journal of Roentgenology

17. Use ultrasound guidance for central lines. Purpose: safer access, fewer complications. Mechanism: visual needle/vein guidance reduces errors. ResearchGate

18. Occlusive dressing and head-down during CVC removal. Purpose: stop air entry on inspiration. Mechanism: positive venous pressure + airtight seal. PMC

19. Pre-op screening for PFO in selected high-risk sitting neurosurgery cases. Purpose: avoid catastrophic PAE; sitting position is often contraindicated if PFO present. PubMed

20. Team training and checklists (high-risk units). Purpose: faster recognition/response. Mechanism: shared mental model and drills. jvsmedicscorner.com

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Drug treatments

Important: Medications below support stabilization. The core therapy for brain/heart involvement is oxygen and often hyperbaric oxygen. Dosages are typical ranges used by clinicians; exact dosing is individualized.

1. 100% Oxygen (normobaric, FiO₂ 1.0). Purpose: shrink bubbles and treat hypoxemia. Mechanism: nitrogen washout. Typical use: immediately on recognition; continuous while arranging HBO if indicated. Side effects: oxygen toxicity is rare with short high-FiO₂ use. westjem.com

2. Norepinephrine (vasopressor). Class: α-adrenergic agonist. Purpose: support BP/perfusion in shock from VAE/PAE. Mechanism: vasoconstriction ↑MAP. Dosage: titrated IV infusion (e.g., ~0.05–1 μg/kg/min). Side effects: arrhythmia, ischemia. bjaed.org

3. Epinephrine. Class: mixed α/β agonist. Purpose: hypotension/cardiac arrest. Mechanism: inotropy + vasoconstriction. IV infusion/bolus per ACLS. Side effects: tachyarrhythmias. bjaed.org

4. Phenylephrine. Class: α1 agonist. Purpose: maintain MAP if tachycardic. Mechanism: vasoconstriction. Side effects: reflex bradycardia, ischemia. bjaed.org

5. Vasopressin. Class: V1 agonist. Purpose: adjunct vasopressor. Mechanism: non-adrenergic vasoconstriction. Typical fixed low-dose infusion. Side effects: hyponatremia, ischemia. bjaed.org

6. Lorazepam / Diazepam (if seizures). Class: benzodiazepines. Purpose: stop seizures from cerebral embolism. Typical initial IV doses: lorazepam 0.1 mg/kg (max 4 mg), may repeat once; or diazepam 0.15–0.2 mg/kg (max 10 mg). Side effects: sedation, respiratory depression (airway support as needed). PMC+1

7. Levetiracetam (second-line for ongoing seizures). Class: antiseizure. Purpose: maintain seizure control. Loading: commonly 20–60 mg/kg IV (max ~4500 mg). Side effects: somnolence, mood changes; adjust for renal disease. PMC

8. Hyperosmolar therapy (e.g., mannitol or hypertonic saline) if malignant cerebral edema after embolic stroke. Purpose: lower intracranial pressure. Mechanism: osmotic dehydration of brain tissue. Side effects: electrolyte shifts, renal issues. (General neurocritical-care practice.) Cambridge University Press & Assessment

9. Lidocaine (IV infusion, specialist use)—experimental neuroprotection; evidence mainly from animal/human cardiac surgery models and case reports. Purpose: may blunt brain injury after gas embolism. Caution: not standard of care. PubMedAHA Journals

10. Antithrombotics (e.g., aspirin or heparin) — case-by-case only. Purpose: not to dissolve air, but to manage co-existing thrombosis or follow standard ischemic stroke protocols after bleeding is excluded and HBO decisions made. Mechanism: platelet/coagulation inhibition. Caution: not routine for pure gas embolism; follow specialist advice. NCBI

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Dietary “molecular” supplements

There is no supplement that treats an acute air embolism. After recovery, some people use general cardiometabolic-supportive nutrients. Discuss these with your clinician first, especially if you take blood thinners.

1. Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) 1–2 g/day combined from food/supplements; supports endothelial health and triglycerides. Office of Dietary Supplements

2. Vitamin D to correct deficiency (typical RDA 600–800 IU/day adults; test-guided). Office of Dietary Supplements

3. Magnesium (aim for total daily intake ~310–420 mg from diet ± supplement; respect upper limits). Office of Dietary Supplements+1

4. Vitamin B12 (meet RDA 2.4 μg/day; supplement if deficient). Office of Dietary Supplements+1

5. Folate/B6 (for homocysteine control if low; food-first approach).

6. Coenzyme Q10 (general mitochondrial support; discuss if on statins).

7. Vitamin C/E (antioxidants from food; cautious supplement use).

8. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (antioxidant precursor; clinician-guided).

9. Curcumin (anti-inflammatory—watch interactions).

10. L-arginine from food (NO pathway; avoid if low BP without guidance).

Again: these do not treat air embolism; they’re optional wellness add-ons discussed with your clinician.

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Regenerative / stem-cell drugs

There are no approved immune-booster, regenerative, or stem-cell drugs to treat paradoxical air embolism. Experimental approaches like mesenchymal stem cells or growth-factor drugs have been studied mainly for stroke recovery with mixed results and are research-only. Dosing varies by trial, and these therapies are not recommended outside clinical studies for PAE. The proven escalation therapy for arterial gas embolism remains hyperbaric oxygen. BioMed Central

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Procedures/surgeries

1. Percutaneous PFO closure (or surgical ASD repair) after a PAE/stroke in selected patients with right-to-left shunt—done to cut off the intracardiac shortcut and reduce recurrence risk. NCBI

2. Transcatheter PAVM embolization (coils/plugs) when a PAVM is found—done to block the lung shortcut and prevent future paradoxical events. American Journal of Roentgenology

3. Repair of atrio-esophageal fistula (post-AF ablation)—emergent surgery/endovascular repair to stop air ingress. Lippincott Journals

4. Thoracic surgery or VATS repair of bronchovenous fistula after lung injury—prevents recurrent air entry. MDPI

5. Neurosurgical venous sinus repair if a dural sinus source is identified intraoperatively—reduces risk of VAE/PAE in future procedures. jvsmedicscorner.com

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Prevention tips

1. Prime all IV tubing; use Luer-lock connectors and air-in-line alarms/filters. MDPI

2. Use ultrasound guidance for central lines; keep the head-down position during insertion/removal when safe. ResearchGate

3. Occlusive dressing and Valsalva/expiration when removing CVCs. PMC

4. Prefer CO₂ insufflation to room air during endoscopy. giejournal.org

5. Avoid nitrous oxide during high-risk procedures. Medscape

6. Screen for PFO/PAVM if a patient has unexplained events or will undergo very high-risk positioning (e.g., sitting neurosurgery). PMCPubMed

7. Careful ventilator settings; avoid excessive PEEP in patients with a shunt. WFSA Resource Library

8. Maintain hydration and venous pressure during risk surgeries. jvsmedicscorner.com

9. Standard monitoring (ETCO₂, Doppler/TEE in high-risk cases) to detect air early. PMC

10. Team training and checklists for rapid recognition and response. jvsmedicscorner.com

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When to see a doctor—right now if any of these happen

• Sudden stroke-like symptoms (weakness, speech/vision loss) after endoscopy, line surgery, diving, or catheter manipulation—call emergency services immediately. westjem.com

• Chest pain, low oxygen, collapse during/after a procedure. MDPI

• New seizures or confusion after a risk procedure. PMC

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What to eat and what to avoid

• Eat: a heart- and brain-healthy pattern (Mediterranean-style): fish (for omega-3s), plenty of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, olive oil; stay well hydrated unless on fluid restriction. (Supports vessels and recovery.)

• Avoid/limit: smoking and vaping (vascular injury), heavy alcohol, very salty ultra-processed foods, and unsupervised supplements that interact with blood thinners. (Food-first approach; use supplements only for true deficiencies and with clinician advice.) Office of Dietary Supplements

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FAQs

1) Is paradoxical air embolism the same as venous air embolism?
No. VAE means air in the venous side. Paradoxical means venous air crossed to the arterial side through a shunt like a PFO or PAVM. NCBI

2) How common is PFO?
Quite common; many adults have a PFO, often silent. It matters when there’s right-to-left shunting plus a trigger (like venous air). NCBI

3) What’s the fastest test to confirm air in the brain?
Head CT immediately; MRI later shows infarcts. PMC

4) Do I always need hyperbaric oxygen?
Not always, but neurologic or cardiac symptoms usually prompt urgent HBO evaluation—earlier is better. BioMed Central

5) Why does 100% oxygen help?
It shrinks bubbles (nitrogen leaves the bubble) and boosts oxygen delivery to threatened tissue. westjem.com

6) What position should I use?
For venous air: left-side + head-down (Durant). For arterial/cerebral air: keep supine and avoid prolonged steep head-down. Follow clinical team guidance. MedscapeNCBI

7) Can nitrous oxide make things worse?
Yes—avoid N₂O in suspected/at-risk cases because it can expand air bubbles. Medscape

8) What monitors pick up VAE early in the OR?
Precordial Doppler and TEE are very sensitive; ETCO₂ drop is a common early sign. sarasotaanesthesia.comPMC

9) Can a PAVM be fixed?
Often yes—catheter embolization blocks the abnormal vessel. American Journal of Roentgenology

10) After a PAE, should I get my PFO closed?
Sometimes. It’s individualized and discussed with cardiology and neurology. NCBI

11) Do blood thinners dissolve air?
No. They’re used only if there’s a clotting indication; air needs oxygen/HBO and supportive care. NCBI

12) Are supplements necessary?
No. Correct true deficiencies; otherwise focus on diet. Office of Dietary Supplements

13) Does CO₂ insufflation make endoscopy safer?
It helps—CO₂ is absorbed much faster than air and is recommended in many units. giejournal.org

14) Can I fly after a PAE?
Only with the treating team’s clearance; early cabin altitude changes may be risky after gas embolism. (General hyperbaric/diving medicine practice.) uhms.org

15) What’s the single most important step if I suspect PAE?
Call emergency services, give 100% oxygen, stop the source, and get urgent evaluation for hyperbaric oxygen. westjem.comBioMed Central

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Last Updated: August 20, 2025.