Surgical embolectomy in a 34-week pregnant woman with high risk pulmonary embolism and haemodynamic instability

Ann Card Anaesth. 2022 Apr-Jun;25(2):225-228. doi: 10.4103/aca.aca_244_20.

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism represents the leading cause of maternal mortality in developed countries. The optimal treatment of high-risk pulmonary embolism with cardiovascular instability and at high hemorrhagic risk is still debated but surgical embolectomy represents an effective option. We describe the case of a 35-year-old woman in week 34 of pregnancy who was referred to our hospital because of exertional dyspnea and tachycardia and a few hours later became hypotensive and hypoxic. Pulmonary embolism was detected by performing an angio-computed tomography (CT) scan. After a successful cesarean section, emergent embolectomy was performed without inducing uterine hemorrhage. Both mother and the newborn recovered without postoperative sequelae.

Keywords: Embolectomy; pregnancy; pulmonary embolism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cesarean Section*
  • Embolectomy / adverse effects
  • Embolectomy / methods
  • Female
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnant People
  • Pulmonary Embolism* / complications
  • Pulmonary Embolism* / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Embolism* / surgery