Soonchunhyang Med Sci.  2017 Dec;23(2):134-136. 10.0000/sms.2017.23.2.134.

Retrograde Pulmonary Perfusion in Surgical Embolectomy for Massive Pulmonary Embolism

• Chang WH

• KMID: 2404859
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/sms.2017.23.2.134

Abstract

Mortality rate for pulmonary embolectomy in critically ill patients still ranges from 30% to 45%. The causes of death in these patients are persistent pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary edema, and massive pulmonary hemorrhage. Residual thrombus and air trapping in peripheral pulmonary artery during pulmonary embolectomy can cause intractable right heart failure and persistent pulmonary hypertension. We report a successful extraction of residual thrombus and air bubbles during pulmonary embolectomy by retrograde pulmonary perfusion. Use of this technique could decrease morbidity and mortality from persistent right heart failure after pulmonary embolectomy in critically ill patients.

Keyword

Pulmonary embolism; Embolectomy; Thoracic surgery

MeSH Terms

Cause of Death
Critical Illness
Embolectomy*
Heart Failure
Hemorrhage
Humans
Hypertension, Pulmonary
Mortality
Perfusion*
Pulmonary Artery
Pulmonary Edema
Pulmonary Embolism*
Thoracic Surgery
Thrombosis