Citation

Holzer FJ. Beitr. Gerichtl. Med. 1973; 30: 187-196.

Vernacular Title

Abtreibung mit Fahrradpumpe an der Geliebten und eigenartiger Selbstmord eines

Copyright

(Copyright © 1973, Verlag Franz Deuticke)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

4702747

Abstract

In Tyrol a case of fatal air embolism after an abortion attempt with a bicycle pump, performed by a blind man who later committed suicide, is described. The bicycle tube was inserted into the vagina and air and a soapy solution were pumped in. Autopsies revealed internal bleeding, gas embolisms in the veins of the ovaries and heart, a bloody foamy liquid in the lungs, and an intact 14 cm male fetus. 3 similar cases of fatal air embolisms after abortion attempts with bicycle pumps are described. In 1 case a soapy solution had been injected. Abortion attempts with a pipe and a rubber catheter, reported here, also resulted in rapidly fatal air embolisms. In 1 case death occurred a few seconds after a partner blew air with his mouth into his pregnant mistress' vagina. It is concluded that under some conditions filling the vagina with air (tightly) can cause fatal air embolisms.

Language: de