A Case of Air Embolism as a Result of Puncturing the Lung

Medical Officer In-charge, Rai Bahadur Amar Natli Tuberculosis Institute, Mayo Hospital, Lahore Air embolism is a very rare but a very serious complication of artificial pneumothorax treatment. It occurs most frequently during the induction of pneumothorax, but on certain rare occasions has been met with during a re-fill. Cases have also been recorded in which the entry of a needle into the lung without the introduction of any air caused symptoms resembling those of air embolism, but most of these cases have been ascribed to pleural shock. There are four possible methods (Alexander, 1937) by which air may enter the blood stream and cause embolism during the induction of pneumothorax treatment :?? (1) Air may be injected into a pulmonary vein owing to faulty technique. Unknown quantities of room air may enter the circulation directly when an open induction needle is used, without being connected to the manometer. (2) Air may be sucked into a pulmonary vein from the tubes and the manometer, there being negative pressure in these venous channels. (3) The production of an air pocket under pressure may tear a recent adhesion and