What maneuver should be performed to prevent an air embolism from affecting the right ventricular outflow tract?

The Durant's maneuver is specifically designed to prevent air from entering the right ventricular outflow tract, particularly in situations where there is a risk of air embolism during procedures such as central line placements or when a patient is in a position that could facilitate air entry into the venous system. This technique involves positioning the patient appropriately (head down and tilted to the left) to help minimize the risk of an air embolism affecting the right side of the heart.

This maneuver effectively uses gravity and positioning to keep air bubbles from traveling toward the right ventricle, which can occur in certain clinical contexts, such as during surgery or in patients with significant elevation of their upper body. The other options, while useful in their own contexts, do not specifically address the prevention of air embolisms in the right ventricular outflow tract as effectively as the Durant's maneuver.