[The surgical treatment of pulmonary embolism]

Acute pulmonary embolism with major hemodynamic derangement may be treated by thrombolysis or surgically by direct pulmonary embolectomy under cardiopulmonary bypass or by a transvenous method with a steerable aspiration catheter unit. The key to success in massive pulmonary embolism is a quick and correct diagnosis while the vital haemodynamic parameters are maintained by supportive means.