Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine Medknow Publications on behalf of the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine ISSN: 0972-5229 EISSN: 1998-359x Vol. 13, Num. 4, 2009, pp. 225-225

Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine, Vol. 13, No. 4, October-December, 2009, pp. 225

Letter to the Editor

Venous air embolism

Aggarwal Sourabh

University College of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
Correspondence Address:257/6, Central Town, Jalandhar City, Punjab -144 001
drsourabh79@gmail.com

Code Number: cm09047

DOI: 10.4103/0972-5229.60179

Dear Editor,

The article "U turn to venous air embolism" ^[1] by Singh et al, is quite interesting. I appreciate the authors for coming out with an indigenous method to prevent the life threatening complication of air embolism when a fluid infusion is complete and the drip set is still open. I would like to add my views to the same. It is worth mentioning that the "U turn" maneuver advocated by the authors should be set at a level lower than the lowest level to which arm, into which the infusion set is inserted, can reach by all probable means. It will ensure that the hydrostatic pressure in the "U turn" remains lower than that in the vein in the arm. The lower the "U turn" is set, the more negative intra thoracic pressure will be required to aspirate air, and thus, the chances will be reduced further. It is quite fascinating to observe that at this time of latest technological advancements, simple no-cost maneuvers can prevent such life threatening complications. I again applaud authors for their efforts.

References

1.	Singh H, Tewari A, Kaur B, Garg S. U turn to venous air embolism. Indian J Crit Care Med 2009;13:92-3.  Back to cited text no. 1  [PUBMED]

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