I had made a deep cut across the jugular vein, the wound gaping widely in consequence of the tension given to the vein by the position of the patient's head.

A large quantity of air rushed in instantly.
"An exclamation of alarm from Doctor Kline, as he changed the position of the patient's neck in order to force the lips of the wound together and stop the fatal influx of air, roused me from a momentary stupor, and I came back into complete self-possession.

The fearful exigency of the moment gave to nerve and brain all the stimulus they required.
Already there was a struggle for breath, and the face of Mrs.Carlton, which had been slightly suffused with color, became pale and distressed.

Sufficient air had entered to change the condition of the blood in the right cavities of the heart, and prevent its free transmission to the lungs.

We could hear a churning sound occasioned by the blood and air being whipped together in the heart, and on applying the hand to the chest could feel a strange thrilling or rasping sensation.
"The most eminent surgeons differ in regard to the best treatment in cases like this, which are of very rare occurrence; to save life the promptest action is required.