Air embolism through open hub of external jugular vein intravenous cannula

Chitta R. Mohanty; Suma R. Ahmad; Mantu Jain; Bhavna Sriramka

doi:10.1016/j.tjem.2019.06.002

Chitta R. Mohanty¹, Suma R. Ahmad², Mantu Jain³, Bhavna Sriramka⁴

¹Department of Trauma & Emergency, AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, 751019, India
²Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, 751019, India
³Department of Orthopaedics, AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, 751019, India
⁴Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, IMS & SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, 751003, India

Keywords: Air embolism, External jugular veinIntravenous cannula, Vigilance

Abstract

Introduction: Venous air embolism is a catastrophic complication that can result in sudden cardiac arrest and death. Massive air embolism has been reported with central venous catheter through the internal jugular and subclavian veins. Though external jugular vein is a potential site of an air embolism to cardiac chambers and subsequently to vital organs such as brain, heart and lungs but has not been reported yet in literature.

Case presentation: We are reporting a case of sudden pulmonary air embolism in a patient through the open hub of an intravenous cannula, vigilant monitoring and timely action saved the patient from a catastrophic outcome.

Conclusion: We recommend vigilant monitoring and adequate precaution in patients with external jugular venous cannulation in the operation theater, intensive care unit or wards to prevent iatrogenic complications.