Gas embolism during surgery. A complement mediated condition?

Abstract

<p><i>Introduction</i>: Venous air embolism (VAE) may arise during surgical procedures. VAE might be complicated with a systemic inflammatory response, disseminated intervascular coagulation, multi-organ failure and cardiovascular collapse. During a short time-span, three patients at our institution developed signs of VAE in conjunction with gynecological surgery. One died, one developed severe cerebral infarctions and one developed myocardial infarction.<p>

<p>Previously, air embolisms have been shown to trigger complement C3 and C5 activation in plasma. We have examined in vitro in human whole blood and in vivo in a porcine model, how air triggers inflammation and activation of complement and coagulation and their cross-talk.</p>