Air Gas Embolism (AGE)

Air embolism occurs when gas bubbles (emboli) block arterial blood flow. Secondary effects of air embolism include platelets clumping all over and damage to blood vessel walls. Obstructed vessels leak fluid into surrounding tissues. The resulting swelling further reduces tissue blood flow.

Although AGE is a major cause of death in diving, it far more often results iatrogenically (caused by medical care) from surgical treatment and diagnostic procedures.

The Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and AGE

Early recompression therapy reduces bubble volume and drives gas into physical solution, while high oxygen pressure washes out inert gas from the bubbles.

Higher oxygen levels create a large diffusion gradient for inert gas to leave bubbles.

With restored blood flow, poorly oxygenated tissues receive more oxygen and local swelling subsides.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy reduces ischemic-reperfusion injury.

You MUST NOT DELAY treatment and diagnostic work-up and clinical evaluation for air gas embolism. Seek medical attention immediately!

Keywords: Embolism, Air, Gas, bubbles, blocked, treatment