Pulmonary embolectomy: a review

Massive pulmonary embolism continues to be a major cause of death in spite of improved medical therapy. Only a small number of patients with pulmonary embolism refractory to medical treatment are referred for pulmonary embolectomy. A literature review of patients with massive pulmonary embolism treated by pulmonary embolectomy showed that the operation was highly successful in those who were unlikely to survive with other modes of therapy. Specific indications and management are outlined on the basis of these cumulative data.