Conclusion
A fatal case of air embolism through an umbilical venous catheter occurred during calibration of a pressure transducer. This could have been prevented by disconnecting the tubing between the transducer and the umbilical catheter during the calibration procedure. It is hoped that this case report will help prevent similar complications in other nurseries.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Clements, J. A., Platzker, A. C., Tierney, D. F., Hobel, C. J., Creasy R. K., Margolis, A. J., Thibeault, D. W., Tooley, W. H., Oh, W.: Assessment of the risk of the respiratory distress syndrome by a rapid test for surfactant in amniotic fluid. New Eng. J. Med. 286, 1077–1081 (1972)
Liley, A. W.: Liquor amnii analysis in management of the pregnancy complicated by Rhesus sensitization. Amer. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 82, 1359–1370 (1961)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kitterman, J.A. Fatal air embolism through an umbilical venous catheter. Eur J Pediatr 131, 71–73 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00442787
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00442787