Air Embolism During Prone Position Spine Surgery

Venous air embolism (VAE)-induced intraoperative cardiac arrest (CA) is an uncommon but dangerously surgical complication. The study’s objective was to provide an overview of the causes, management, and avoidance of CA brought on by VAE. Combining with a case, and literature reviewing analyzed CA caused by VAE. There have been some case reports about the occurrence of VAE during spine surgery in the prone position, especially in scoliosis and fusion operations. Two weeks following surgery, the patient was released from the hospital without any issues. In addition to this instance, there were 19 more occurrences of VAE linked to prone spine surgery. Ten of the 19 patients passed away, meaning the mortality rate was 52.63%. A gradient greater than 5cm between the right heart and the top pole of the incision can be caused by low blood volume, low central venous pressure, and surgery performed in the sitting or prone posture. VAE requires the open cancellous bone surfaces and valve-less venous plexus of Batson. VAE is a very serious but rare complication of spine surgery and occurs at any time during the operation. Spine surgeons should pay attention to the fatal results caused by VAE and prevent its occurrence.