J.Jpn. Surg. Soc.. 106(3): 247-251, 2005

---

Feature topic

PULMONARY EMBOLECTOMY FOR ACUTE MASSIVE PULMONARY THROMBOEMBOLISM

Acute pulmonary thromboembolism is a frequently lethal and acuteonset inhospital complication after surgery. Absolute indications for surgical embolectomy are acute massive pulmonary embolism with deep shock, refractory circulatory collapse, and continuous hypoxemia. Although thrombolytic therapy is indicated for patients with pulmonary thromboembolism with right ventricular overload, it is contraindicated for patients after major surgery or with stroke due to the high risk of rebleeding. Therefore surgical embolectomy should be considered in those patients. Pulmonary embolectomy relieves the right ventricular overload, and immediate restoration of right ventricular function contributes to the recovery of hemodynamics. A recent study revealed improved outcome for massive pulmonary embolism with early diagnosis with multidetectorrow computed tomography, risk stratification using echocardiography, and surgical embolectomy. Surgical pulmonary thromboembolectomy should be considered for critically ill patients with massive pulmonary thromboembolism.

---

---

To read the PDF file you will need Adobe Reader installed on your computer.