Operative procedures in which embolism occurred
| Procedure | Number* | % |
|---|---|---|
| *In one report simultaneous air embolism was observed from both the surgical field and a peripheral venous catheter. In another, three separate episodes of air embolism occurred during one operation. | ||
| †Four from intravenous warming coils, two from peripheral venous catheters, two from central venous catheters, and one from a radial artery catheter. | ||
| ‡Three gynaecological and one general surgical procedure. | ||
| §Includes cardiopulmonary bypass procedures. | ||
| Intravascular lines† | 9 | 22 |
| Intracranial | 8 | 19 |
| Hepatobiliary | 4 | 10 |
| Maxillofacial | 4 | 10 |
| Orthopaedic | 4 | 10 |
| Endoscopic surgery‡ | 4 | 10 |
| Intrathoracic§ | 3 | 7 |
| Spinal | 2 | 5 |
| Other abdominal | 2 | 5 |
| Obstetric | 1 | 2 |
| Total | 41 | 100 |