Successful Management of Cardiac Arrest Due to Pulmonary Embolus Using Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Ultrasound-Accelerated Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis

Ann Thorac Surg. 2016 Apr;101(4):e107-9. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2015.10.023.

Abstract

Here we present the case of a patient that suffered a cardiac arrest due to pulmonary embolus. The patient was resuscitated using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and treated with ultrasound-accelerated catheter-directed thrombolysis during support on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, with an excellent outcome. This case demonstrates that the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and ultrasound-accelerated catheter-directed thrombolysis can be highly effective for managing select patients with pulmonary embolus and cardiac arrest.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Angiography
  • Anticoagulants / administration & dosage
  • Catheterization, Peripheral / methods*
  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation / methods*
  • Femoral Artery
  • Femoral Vein
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart Arrest / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Arrest / etiology
  • Heart Arrest / therapy*
  • Heparin / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intra-Arterial
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Embolism / complications*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Embolism / physiopathology
  • Thrombolytic Therapy / methods*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography
  • Ventricular Function, Right / physiology

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Heparin