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Mechanical circulatory assist for pulmonary embolism
Y Misawa1, K Fuse, T Yamaguchi
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Jichi Medical School, Minami-Kawachi, Tochigi, Japan. tcvmisa@jichi.ac.jp
Perfusion
|December 29, 2000
Summary
Optimal management of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is debated. Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) combined with thrombolytic therapy shows promise for treating PE patients with circulatory collapse and right ventricular dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Optimal management for acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is controversial, especially for patients with hemodynamic instability.
- Right ventricular dysfunction in acute PE correlates with poor patient outcomes.
- Surgical embolectomy is the traditional treatment for hemodynamically unstable PE patients.
Observation:
- This study presents two cases of massive acute PE with progressive circulatory collapse.
- Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) was utilized as a supplementary treatment alongside thrombolytic therapy in both cases.
Findings:
- The combined approach of PCPS and thrombolytic therapy was successfully implemented in these critical cases.
- This strategy provided circulatory support during thrombolysis for massive PE.
Implications:
- Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) may represent a viable alternative or adjunct treatment for acute pulmonary embolism.
- This approach could potentially reduce the significant morbidity and mortality associated with massive PE.
- Further research is warranted to establish the role of PCPS in managing acute pulmonary embolism.