What is the main problem associated with air entering the extracorporeal circuit?

Air entering the extracorporeal circuit presents a significant risk of air embolism, which occurs when air bubbles enter the bloodstream. This can lead to serious complications, including obstruction of blood flow, potential ischemia of organs, and even life-threatening conditions depending on the size and location of the embolism.

Additionally, the presence of air can promote clotting within the circuit. Blood in contact with air may activate the coagulation cascade, increasing the chance of clot formation, which can compromise the dialysis process and affect patient safety.

In contrast to the other potential outcomes, the risk associated with air embolism is a primary clinical concern when managing patients on dialysis, as it directly threatens their health and safety. Ensuring that the extracorporeal circuit remains free of air is therefore critical in the dialysis process.