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Air embolisms

Medical Information Provided By: Dr. Krista Kurtyan, M.D.
Legal Information Provided By: Hartley Hampton, J.D. and Christopher King, J.D.

Millions Won by Our Medical Malpractice Attorneys

When gas bubbles are present in the bloodstream, they can impede the flow of blood. An air embolism is when air in the bloodstream leads to a lack of blood flow to any organ—most commonly the brain, the heart, and the lungs. Venous and arterial embolisms are treatable but have catastrophic consequences when they’re undetected. The stoppage of blood flow can result in a massive heart attack or stroke, fatally injuring or permanently disabling a patient.

Air embolisms are a common result of injections, surgeries, and the use of ventilators. Surgeries that cut into the veins or arteries are particularly vulnerable to allowing air into the bloodstream. Studies show that up to 80% of brain surgeries result in air embolisms of some kind, but these embolisms are usually detected and don’t cause any harm. However, the frequency of air embolisms is part of what make them dangerous—when even one isn’t monitored or detected, patients pay a steep price.

The symptoms of an air embolism include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Heart attack symptoms
  • Chest pain
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Low blood pressure
  • Bluish-colored skin

If your loved one suffered a heart attack or stroke while in the care of a surgeon, it’s possible that they were harmed as a result of medical negligence. In cases where surgeons might be at fault, you’ll likely be kept from the details that would reveal the true cause of death. By downplaying their roles, hiding the cause of death in medical jargon, or framing the organ failure as an unpreventable tragedy, surgeons hope to avoid being held accountable for their mistakes.

Call Our Houston Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Hampton & King fights to make a difference in patients’ lives. Our team is one of the only law firms in Houston to focus exclusively on medical malpractice, and we’re one of the only firms nationwide to employ licensed medical professionals full-time. Our doctor and Ph.D. nurse are more than happy to hear your story and determine if your doctor was at fault.

Our fierce and aggressive approach to medical malpractice law is what has allowed us to provide our clients with millions in verdicts and settlements. We have been able to provide for our clients’ lifelong needs, including medical treatment, around-the-clock care, and lost earning capacity. If you think you might have been harmed by your doctor, call us as soon as possible to get answers.

Call (713) 489-0993 or contact us online for a free review of your case. Our medical staff is standing by to hear the facts of your case and help you discover what happened.

Call 713.489.0993 for your free case consultation.
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