Definition: An air bubble artificially introduced into the blood stream, usually in the context of heart or lung surgery, that travels up to the brain and blocks one of its arteries, causing a stroke.
Air Embolus
From Jose Vega M.D., Ph.D., former About.com Guide
Updated: September 07, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
A stroke affecting the temporal lobe of the brain
Photo © A.D.A.M.Common Terms Used by Stroke Doctors
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