Why might it be dangerous if air bubbles get into patients blood?

Air bubbles in a patient's blood can be dangerous for several reasons:

Embolism: Air bubbles in the bloodstream can act as emboli, which are foreign objects that block blood flow. If an air bubble travels to a critical area, such as the brain or the heart, it can lead to a stroke or a heart attack.

Air lock: Air bubbles can collect in small blood vessels and block the flow of blood, leading to tissue damage and organ failure. This condition is known as an air lock or air embolism.

Gas expansion: Air bubbles can expand due to changes in temperature or pressure, leading to血管损伤并进一步的并发症。当患者接受外科手术，例如心脏手术或脑手术时，这种风险特别高。

Immune response: The presence of air bubbles in the blood can trigger an immune response, releasing inflammatory mediators that can cause systemic inflammation and organ damage.

Arterial gas embolism: If air bubbles form in an artery, they can cause an arterial gas embolism, which can lead to tissue damage and loss of function in the affected area.

Symptoms of air bubbles in the blood can include:

Chest pain.

Breathlessness.

Lightheadedness.

Nausea.

Vomiting.

Loss of consciousness.

Air bubbles in the bloodstream can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, organ failure, and even death.