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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

A Porcine Model of Acute Autologous Pulmonary Embolism
Published on: September 6, 2024
Emergency surgical embolectomy for pulmonary emboli after failed thrombolysis
Sharon H L Chu1, David Andrews, Yuki Watanabe
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Perth Hospital, GPO Box X2213, Perth, Western Australia. sharonchu@gmail.com
Abstract:
A 34-year-old man presented in cardiogenic shock secondary to massive pulmonary embolism. Surgical embolectomy was performed after failed thrombolysis. Intraoperatively, a right atrial lesion and pulmonary emboli were removed. Histopathology revealed myxoma complicated by pulmonary emboli. The patient made a good recovery. This case suggests that surgical embolectomy should be considered as first-line treatment for all patients with acute massive pulmonary embolism, and not reserved for those with severe hemodynamic compromise or failed conservative management.
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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...