What can occur as a result of circuit air embolism?

Circuit air embolism refers to the presence of gas, typically air, within the ECMO circuit, which can have serious consequences. When air enters the circuit and subsequently enters the vascular system, it can travel to the brain, leading to an obstruction of blood flow. This obstruction can result in a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), both of which occur due to the interruption of blood supply to the brain.

These cerebral events arise because the air bubbles can occlude smaller cerebral vessels, causing ischemia and potentially leading to neurologic deficits. The severity and symptoms can vary based on the size and location of the embolism but can result in serious, measurable impairments depending on the area of the brain affected. Therefore, recognizing the risk of stroke or TIA is critical in the context of circuit air embolism.

While decreased urine output, worsened pulmonary function, and increased heart rate can occur in various critical care scenarios, they are not direct consequences of circuit air embolism. The most immediate and impactful risk presented by an air embolism is the potential for neurologic injury, specifically in the form of a stroke or TIA.