[Partial pulmonary embolectomy without extracorporeal circulation. Apropos of a case]

The authors report a case of massive pulmonary embolism compromising the haemodynamic status of a 52 year old man with a formal contraindication to thrombolytic therapy. Unilateral pulmonary embolectomy was performed without cardiac pulmonary bypass, preceded by partial interruption of the inferior vena cava. Postoperative controls confirmed the success of the surgical procedure. Although the indications of surgical embolectomy are limited, especially without cardiopulmonary bypass, it may be considered for the treatment of certain cases of massive pulmonary embolism.