air embolism
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A condition where one or more air bubbles obstruct a blood vessel, blocking the flow of blood. This can occur accidentally during medical procedures, trauma, or as a complication from activities like scuba diving.
- The pain and physiological effects resulting from a rapid change in environmental pressure, which can cause such bubbles to form. This meaning is closely associated with decompression sickness.
Usage
- As a medical complication: The term is used to describe a dangerous, often iatrogenic (caused by medical treatment), event where air enters the circulatory system.
- Example: The surgeon took great care to prevent an air embolism during the central line insertion.
- As a diving hazard: It is used to describe a specific risk and potential consequence of ascending too quickly from depth.
- Example: Divers are trained to ascend slowly to avoid an air embolism.
Examples
- Noun:
- An air embolism is a serious risk during neurosurgery when the patient is positioned upright.
- Symptoms of an air embolism can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and neurological deficits.
- The diver was treated for an air embolism in a hyperbaric chamber.
Advanced Usage
- "Venous air embolism": Specifies that the air bubble is trapped in the venous system (veins), often traveling to the heart or lungs.
- A large venous air embolism can cause a "mill-wheel" murmur heard by a stethoscope.
- "Arterial air embolism": Specifies that the air bubble is in the arterial system (arteries), which can block blood flow to the brain or heart muscle, causing a stroke or heart attack.
- An arterial air embolism is a catastrophic complication that requires immediate intervention.
Variants and Related Words
- Gas embolism (n): A broader term that includes blockages caused by bubbles of gases other than air (e.g., nitrogen).
- Decompression sickness (n): Often used interchangeably in diving contexts, though technically it refers specifically to nitrogen bubbles forming in tissues and blood due to pressure reduction.
- Aeroembolism (n): A less common synonym for air embolism.
Synonyms
- Gas bubble injury
- Aeroembolism
Related Phrases
- "To suffer an air embolism": To experience this condition.
- The patient suffered an air embolism following the procedure.
- "Risk of air embolism": The potential for this condition to occur.
- This technique minimizes the risk of air embolism.
Noun
- pain resulting from rapid change in pressure
- obstruction of the circulatory system caused by an air bubble as, e.g., accidentally during surgery or hypodermic injection or as a complication from scuba diving