When an air embolism occurs in a healthcare setting, it almost always means that someone has not followed proper procedure. Unfortunately, approximately 1,150 deaths occur every year as a result of this avoidable complication. Almost universally, these deaths occur because nurses or doctors do not take the time to follow the strict protocols for CVAD insertion and removal.
These protocols include such things as making sure that the patient’s head is below his/her heart, instructing the patient to exhale during insertion or removal, making sure the patient is properly hydrated, using an occlusive dressing and applying pressure on the insertion or removal site, etc. If these and other protocols are followed, air bubbles cannot be introduced into the vascular system. When proper procedures are not followed, our Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers can help.