Successful resuscitation of a patient with acute massive pulmonary embolism using emergent embolectomy

Acute massive pulmonary embolism is associated with a high mortality rate. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are mandatory for a successful outcome. Although thrombolysis is effective, it is associated with a high rate of bleeding complications. This report describes the use of emergent pulmonary embolectomy as an effective and aggressive therapeutic approach to a massive saddle pulmonary embolism in a 66-year-old woman. With the application of specific surgical techniques and good interdisciplinary cooperation, pulmonary embolectomy may serve as more than a last resort for the management of this clinically unstable and dangerous condition. (C) 2004 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.