Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Lung Rapid Recovery Procurement Combined with Abdominal Normothermic Regional Perfusion in Controlled Donation after Circulatory Death
Published on: August 15, 2022
Postcesarean pulmonary embolism, sustained cardiopulmonary resuscitation, embolectomy, and near-death experience
Alan T Marty1, Frank L Hilton, Robert K Spear
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Saint Mary's Medical Center, Evansville, Indiana, and the Department of Psychiatric Medicine, Division of Personality Studies, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA. aempmarty@aol.com
Background:
Survival after surgical embolectomy for massive postcesarean pulmonary embolism causing sustained cardiac arrest is rare.
Case:
One day after an uneventful cesarean delivery, a woman developed cardiac asystole and apnea due to pulmonary embolism. Femoral-femoral cardiopulmonary bypass performed during continuous cardiopulmonary resuscitation allowed a successful embolectomy. Upon awakening, the patient reported a near-death experience. Pulmonary embolism causes approximately 2 deaths per 100,000 live births per year in the United States, and postcesarean pulmonary embolism is probably more common than pulmonary embolism after vaginal delivery.
Conclusion:
Massive pulmonary embolism is a potentially treatable catastrophic event after cesarean delivery, even if continuous cardiopulmonary resuscitation is required until life-saving embolectomy is done.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management
