The authors describe the pathology and the symptoms of pulmonary embolism with possible therapies, including thrombolysis and suction extraction. We performed two successful operations and after the examination of the data of the literature we think that in most patients the conditions for immediate surgery are not present. After the acute period, when the cardio-respiratory status is stabile, pulmonary embolectomy can result in complete recovery. Extracorporeal circulation and cardiac surgical background are necessary for the intervention. The seven Hungarian adult cardiac surgical centers could save the life of many patients.