Risk Factors for Air Embolism in Perioperative Period

Gender of the patient

Is the surgical site >= 5 cm above the right atrium?

Does the patient have a low central venous pressure?

Is blood or intravenous fluid being infused under high pressure?

Has increased pressure been applied to the operative field?

Are there multiple large, noncompressed venous channels in the operative field?

Is a central venous catheter being inserted, removed or manipulated?

Does the patient have other intravascular catheters (radial artery, hemodialysis, etc)?

• a neurosurgical procedure?

• posterior fossa or neck surgery?

• laparoscopy?

• a radical prostatectomy?

• a total hip arthroplasty?

• spinal fusion or cervical laminectomy?

• gastrointestinal endoscopy?

• coronary artery surgery?