Emergency pulmonary embolectomy with percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass

The management of patients with acute pulmonary embolism remains difficult, particularly when cardiogenic shock is involved. The preoperative incidence of cardiac arrest compromises the results of emergency pulmonary embolectomy. In an attempt to reduce the operative mortality rate, we applied percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support to restore vital organ perfusion before the surgical intervention.

Percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support was preoperatively instituted in 3 patients with acute cardiopulmonary collapse caused by massive pulmonary embolism. In each patient, cardiac massage and endotracheal intubation were necessary due to loss of consciousness, hypotension, and severe cyanosis. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed to detect any evidence of thrombus in the main pulmonary artery, and each patient underwent the emergency pulmonary embolectomy using conventional cardiopulmonary bypass through a median sternotomy.

Percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support immediately provided effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Transesophageal echocardiography clearly demonstrated any evidence of thrombus located in the pulmonary artery. Each patient was discharged from the hospital without any postoperative complication.

The use of percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support immediately resuscitated and stabilized the cardiopulmonary function and allowed for successful emergency pulmonary embolectomy. In each patient, transesophageal echocardiography was useful for prompt and noninvasive diagnosis.