Air Bubble In IV Line

[scientificmethid]

Ok. So I am like 99.9% sure this is just garbage Hollywood drama. But… I watched an episode of House where the patient tried to CTB by injecting air into an IV line already placed in their arm. It caused a pulmonary embolism I think(?). Is this pure Hollywood garbage or is there some legitimacy as a method here?

 

[TheHolySword]

I mean technically it is a way to do it but not at all recommended. It's certainly very far from a guaranteed death and the amount you would have to inject is not very likely given how painful it's all going to be. There's also very serious side effects that can leave you permanently damaged. There are much safer (ironic, I know) and effective methods.