Rescue surgical embolectomy for fatal pulmonary embolism in patient with intracranial hemorrhage

Ann Thorac Surg. 2006 Feb;81(2):735-7. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2004.10.061.

Abstract

The incidence of pulmonary embolism is relatively high in stroke patients due to prolonged bed rest, paralysis of the lower extremities, and dehydration. We herein report three cases of pulmonary embolectomy for patients with intracranial hemorrhage. All patients had massive central pulmonary embolism and were in deep shock. The interval between the onset of intracranial bleeding and surgical embolectomy was 7 to 16 days. All patients underwent emergent pulmonary embolectomy using cardiopulmonary bypass and survived without any neurologic exacerbation. Surgical pulmonary embolectomy is a treatment of choice to save patients with massive pulmonary embolism after intracranial hemorrhage.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cardiopulmonary Bypass
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / complications*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Embolism / etiology*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / surgery*
  • Vena Cava Filters