A Case Study: Percutaneous Lung Biopsy and Symptomatic Arterial Air Embolus

Air emboli are rare complications of computed tomography–guided lung biopsies. This case study discusses current recommendations on patient positioning and supportive treatment until an air embolus is reabsorbed or extracted. A plan of action aimed at mitigating the harmful or even fatal effects of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Journal of radiology nursing Vol. 38; no. 3; pp. 174 - 176
Main Authors:	Warren, Shawn, Somers, Andrew, Chambers, Bailey, Gardner, Kiera
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Elsevier Inc 01-09-2019
Subjects:	Arterial air embolus Percutaneous lung biopsy Radiology nursing Arterial air embolus CT Radiology nursing Percutaneous lung biopsy
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	Air emboli are rare complications of computed tomography–guided lung biopsies. This case study discusses current recommendations on patient positioning and supportive treatment until an air embolus is reabsorbed or extracted. A plan of action aimed at mitigating the harmful or even fatal effects of air emboli should be developed and reviewed with all staff participating in these types of procedures. •Percutaneous lung biopsies carry a small risk for introducing an air embolus to a patient.•Patient positioning will differ between venous and arterial air embolism.•Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy is the definitive treatment for arterial air embolism.
ISSN:	1546-0843
DOI:	10.1016/j.jradnu.2019.05.001