How do you decrease the chances of an air embolism while removing a subclavian vein catheter?
The correct method to decrease the incidence of air embolism associated with removal of a central line is to follow ALL standard procedures with removal of the line. Patients should be placed in a supine position, or even T-burg position. The occlusive dressing should be loosened and the suture removed. The patient should be asked to hold their breath when the line is removed quickly. Occlusive dressing is held over the line as it is being removed and thus applied to the insertion site as the line is removed.
