Air Embolisms

Air embolisms, a rare but preventable event, can have life-threatening consequences when air bubbles enter the bloodstream during medical procedures. This serious occurrence, classified as a never event, can lead to cardiac arrest, stroke, and organ damage. Hospitals are responsible for preventing air embolisms; patients deserve accountability when they fail. A Prince George’s County air embolism lawyer at Foran & Foran, P.A. can investigate these cases, pinpointing causes and identifying negligence to help affected patients seek justice.

If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to an air embolism, Foran & Foran is here to help you explore your legal options. Our team is dedicated to obtaining compensation for those impacted by medical negligence. As with other preventable errors, such as retained surgical instruments, holding healthcare providers accountable can provide closure and promote better patient safety practices.

Air embolisms typically arise during invasive medical procedures, particularly those involving vascular access. Although strict protocols exist to prevent air from entering the bloodstream, these types of surgical errors & complications occur when healthcare providers fail to adhere to these protocols. The data highlights several common causes and procedures associated with air embolisms:

• Vascular access-related procedures. Vascular access procedures, such as catheter insertions and IV placements, are the most frequently linked to air embolisms, with an estimated 33% of cases involving these interventions. If medical staff do not carefully manage pressure or equipment placement, these procedures introduce air into the bloodstream. Proper protocol adherence is essential; failure to follow these steps can lead to devastating complications.
• Surgical procedures and invasive treatments. Approximately 77.8% of air embolism cases occur during surgeries or invasive treatments, such as endovascular surgeries. When air bubbles enter the bloodstream during these treatments, they can reach critical areas like the heart or brain. Preventative measures, including careful monitoring and equipment management, are vital in reducing this risk. Without these measures, patients are exposed to potentially life-threatening conditions.

These causes demonstrate the importance of rigorous safety practices during hospital procedures. Hospitals and healthcare providers are expected to uphold these standards to protect patients from preventable errors like air embolisms.

Air embolisms can cause various symptoms depending on where the air bubble travels within the body. Recognizing these signs and understanding the potential complications can help patients and families assess whether medical error was involved.

Air embolisms often obstruct the right heart or pulmonary artery, causing serious cardiovascular distress. This can lead to circulatory shock or cardiac arrest, especially if the blockage is not identified and treated promptly. For patients experiencing right heart blockages, emergency intervention is often required to prevent fatal outcomes.

When air enters the brain, it can cause stroke, seizures, and other neurological symptoms. Among the 67 cases in the study, 21 cases involved cerebral embolisms, demonstrating the severity of air embolisms that reach the brain. Patients experiencing cerebral embolisms due to medical negligence often face long-term complications that impact their quality of life.

Understanding these complications highlights the importance of early detection and intervention in air embolism cases. When healthcare providers fail to monitor for these signs, patients may suffer needlessly from preventable harm.

Patients who experience air embolisms due to lapses in hospital safety protocols deserve justice for the harm endured. Air embolism cases often involve:

• Reviewing hospital procedures;
• Identifying gaps in protocol adherence; and
• Understanding how a preventable event led to harm.

Legal action, such as a medical malpractice wrongful death lawsuit, holds negligent parties accountable and raises awareness, helping prevent future incidents by emphasizing patient safety.

If you or a loved one has suffered from an air embolism in a medical setting, reach out to Foran & Foran. Our Prince George’s County air embolism attorneys are committed to advocating for patients impacted by preventable medical errors. Seeking compensation can help with medical expenses, lost wages, and the emotional toll of these incidents, providing a pathway to recovery and greater accountability in healthcare.

Air embolisms are considered a "never event" and should not occur during medical treatment—no matter what. However, when healthcare providers fail to follow proper procedures, the results can be life-threatening. At Foran & Foran, we are committed to helping victims of preventable medical errors seek justice and compensation for their injuries. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation today, give Foran & Foran's Prince George's County medical malpractice lawyers a call at (301) 441-2022. We proudly represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro,