Which of the following is part of circuit management during an air embolism?

The correct approach during an air embolism in ECMO is to remove air with a syringe. This practice is critical because any air trapped in the circuit can lead to severe complications, such as vessel occlusion or systemic embolization, which can endanger the patient’s life. By using a syringe to aspirate the air bubble, clinicians can mitigate these risks, allowing for safer operation of the ECMO circuit.

In contrast, restarting the circuit is not a suitable response during an air embolism, as this could introduce more air or worsen the situation. Increasing blood flow in the event of an air embolism is also inappropriate, as it might push air further into the system, exacerbating the problem. Starting sedation may be necessary in some clinical situations but does not directly address the immediate need to manage the air embolism effectively. Therefore, removing air with a syringe is the most direct and appropriate action in this scenario.