What is the term for an air bubble lodged in an artery?

An air bubble lodged in an artery is referred to as an air embolism. This condition occurs when air enters the vascular system and can obstruct blood flow, potentially leading to serious medical complications. Air embolisms can arise from various sources, including during certain medical procedures, scuba diving activities, or trauma.

Understanding the nature of air embolisms is vital for scuba divers, as they can occur if a diver ascends too quickly, leading to the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream, which can behave similarly to air bubbles. Identifying the correct term helps in recognizing the potential dangers and understanding the necessary precautions to take when diving, such as proper ascent rates and safety stops.

The other terms presented refer to different medical conditions. A pneumothorax involves air in the pleural cavity of the lungs, mediastinal emphysema refers to air in the mediastinum (the area between the lungs), and subcutaneous emphysema involves air trapped under the skin. Each of these conditions involves air in different spaces of the body and is distinct from the vascular involvement seen in an air embolism.