Successful resuscitation of acute massive pulmonary embolism with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and open embolectomy.

Hsieh, P C; Wang, S S; Ko, W J; Han, Y Y; Chu, S H · Ann Thorac Surg · 2001

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

Acute massive pulmonary embolism is usually fatal if not treated aggressively, but the management is not standardized. Open pulmonary embolectomy retains a role in the treatment of this disastrous disease. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been used for cardiopulmonary support in some patients with life-threatening pulmonary embolism. This article details our experience of a 58-year-old woman suffering from acute cardiopulmonary collapse caused by massive pulmonary embolism. Under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, the patient received pulmonary angiography and underwent open embolectomy for a definitive treatment.

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