EMBOLISM Definition and Types Embolism is the process of partial or complete obstruction of some part of the cardiovascular system by any mass carried in the circulation; the transported intravascular mass detached from its site of origin is called an embolus. Most usual forms of emboli (90%) are thromboemboli i.e. originating from thrombi or their parts detached from the vessel wall. Emboli may be of various types: A. Depending upon the matter in the emboli: i) Solid e.g. detached thrombi (thromboemboli), athero-matous material, tumour cell clumps, tissue fragments, parasites, bacterial clumps, foreign bodies. ii) Liquid e.g. fat globules, amniotic fluid, bone marrow. iii) Gaseous e.g. air, other gases. B. Depending upon whether infected or not: i) Bland, when sterile. ii) Septic, when infected. C. Depending upon the source of the emboli: i) Cardiac emboli from left side of the heart e.g. emboli originating from atrium and atrial ...