Air embolism complicating percutaneous ultrasonic lithotripsy.

This is a report of a lethal venous air embolism complicating percutaneous ultrasonic lithotripsy. Sudden death occurred during the course of the procedure. Evidence of air embolism was detected at autopsy. Air embolism occurred because a suction pump was connected backwards, forcing air into the urinary tract rather than aspirating irrigating fluid as intended. This mishap has not previously been reported as a complication of this procedure.