see arterial gas embolism
a condition that occurs when air enters the bloodstream through ruptured alveoli into the pulmonary capillaries. The air in the bloodstream then forms bubbles, which can block blood flow to the body's tissues.
obstruction of the circulatory system caused by an air bubble as, e.g., accidentally during surgery or hypodermic injection or as a complication from scuba diving
Blockage of blood stream by air bubbles. Can occur when air enters the bloodstream through ruptured alveoli. Can result in a block or disturbed blood flow to the body's tissues causing serious damage.
A potentially fatal air blockage of a blood vessel by an air bubble. Risk is higher during pregnancy if air is forced into the vagina by douching or blowing during oral sex.
the presence of a large amount of air in the circulatory system.
the blockage of an artery by air bubbles, which may have entered during surgery or after an injury
An air embolism, or more generally gas embolism, is a medical condition caused by gas bubbles in the bloodstream (embolism in a medical context refers to any large moving mass or defect in the blood stream). Small amounts of air often get into the blood circulation accidentally during surgery and other medical procedures, but most of these in veins are stopped at the lungs, and a venous air embolism that shows symptoms is very rare. Death may occur if a large bubble of gas becomes lodged in the heart, stopping blood from flowing from the right ventricle to the lungs (this is similar to vapor lock in engine fuel systems).