Air embolism in pregnancy, second trimester

This code signifies the presence of an air embolism occurring during the second trimester of a pregnancy. An air embolism is a blockage of a blood vessel caused by one or more bubbles of air or other gas in the circulatory system, which can be a life-threatening complication. In pregnancy, this can arise from various obstetric procedures or trauma.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of an air embolism in a pregnant patient who is specifically in her second trimester. This would typically be supported by imaging studies confirming air in the vasculature, along with clinical signs and symptoms consistent with an embolism. The medical record must explicitly state the trimester.

• Ensure documentation specifies "second trimester" to differentiate from other trimesters or the puerperium.
• Always sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis if the air embolism is a complication of another obstetric procedure or condition.
• Do not confuse with amniotic fluid embolism, which has distinct clinical features and a different code series.