A “never event” that the National Quality Forum has identified that should not ever occur in a healthcare setting is an intravascular air embolism. When air is allowed to enter the blood stream, it can be fatal or cause injuries that can be life altering. Air embolisms are completely preventable in medical settings when the correct procedures and precautions are used; unfortunately, that is not always the case and victims of these errors are the ones who pay the price.
How Air Embolisms Occur
In a medical setting, air embolisms generally occur from intravenous introduction of air into the blood stream. This can be from an injection or when a catheter or IV is placed into a blood vessel. Air embolisms can also occur during surgery. Once an air pocket is in the blood, it can travel to the heart or the brain and cause blockages that can be fatal. Causes of air embolisms can be:
· Ruptured catheter or tubing
· Improper priming of tubing
· Improper removal of catheter or tubing
Effects of an Air Embolism
While air embolisms are preventable, once they do occur they are often fatal. An air embolism caused by a catheter or IV has a 30% mortality rate in patients. However, even those who survive may have injuries that cause permanent damage. Some of the symptoms and complications of an air embolism are:
· Stroke
· Blindness
· Heart attack
· Brain Damage
· Death
Preventing an Air Embolism
Healthcare professionals are well trained on how to prevent air embolisms and how to monitor them during surgeries and medical procedures. Some preventive measures are:
· Using proper IV and injection procedures to ensure no air is allowed into the patient’s blood
· Monitoring for air bubbles with an ultrasound or pulmonary artery catheter during surgery
· Positioning patient for surgery or IV insertion. For IV procedures, patients that are put in a sitting position can be at higher risk for an air embolism.
Our Attorneys Know What to do After a “Never Event”
Our New Orleans medical malpractice attorneys understand the complexity of emergency room negligence and surgical errors, such as air embolisms. Shirin Harrell and Eric Nowak will counsel and guide you through your case with expert knowledge while working to bring it to a speedy and just resolution. Contact our New Orleans medical malpractice attorneys for a free consultation.
[Harrell’s Tips: The best way you can help prevent medical errors is to be an active member of your health care team. Research shows that patients who are more involved with their care tend to get better results.]
Harrell & Nowak, L.L.C.— New Orleans Medical Malpractice Attorneys