Case of the Month #59 A case of unexplained postoperative unresponsiveness

Published 18/12/2025

What is the etiology of Gas embolism?

Many etiological factors have been implicated, e.g.,  

1)Placement, maintenance, and removal of central venous and dialysis catheters and sometimes, peripheral venous lines as well.  

2) Numerous surgical procedures due to  

  • Open venous channels when there is a pressure gradient at the wound and the atmospheric pressure and negative intra thoracic pressure.
  • Insufflation of gas in a body cavity with open venous channels 

 
3) Barotrauma, including Mechanical ventilation and diving events. 

 
4) Interventional radiology and endoscopy procedures like lung biopsy 

5). Blast injuries