Venous air embolism during microelectrode recording in deep brain stimulation surgery in an awake supine patient.

Venous air embolism (VAE) is a potentially serious complication in neurosurgery. It occurs most commonly during craniotomy in the sitting position. Diagnosis is difficult in awake patients on spontaneous ventilation due to different clinical manifestations. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential. We report venous air embolism in an awake patient undergoing deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease and discuss the pathogenesis, prevention and management of VAE.