Management of Venous Air Embolism During Tunneled Hemodialysis Catheter Placement: Role of Targeted Aspiration and Patient Positioning

Venous air embolism is a rare but life-threatening complication of image-guided central venous catheter insertions. For symptomatic air embolism involving the right ventricular outflow tract, prompt catheter insertion, proper positioning, and manual aspiration of air through the inserted catheter, in conjunction with oxygen supplementation, may assist in managing this acute condition promptly.