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Semin intervent Radiol 2018; 35(02): 108-115
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1642039
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Intervention in Massive Pulmonary Embolus: Catheter Thrombectomy/Thromboaspiration versus Systemic Lysis versus Surgical Thrombectomy

John M. Moriarty
,
Martin Edwards
1   Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
,
Adam N. Plotnik
1   Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
04 June 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Massive pulmonary embolus (PE), defined as hemodynamic shock from acute PE, is a life-threatening condition. Deaths from massive PE, especially when unsuspected, occur within minutes to hours of onset and as such prompt intervention can be lifesaving. Acute massive PE patients have traditionally been candidates for treatment with intravenous systemic thrombolysis to improve pulmonary artery pressure, arteriovenous oxygenation, and pulmonary perfusion in an effort to reduce mortality. However, patients with contraindications to systemic thrombolysis or those who have failed thrombolysis may benefit from other techniques including endovascular and surgical embolectomy. This article will review the current medical management as well as catheter-directed therapies and surgical embolectomy in the treatment of patients with massive PE.

Keywords

massive pulmonary embolus - systemic thrombolysis - catheter-directed therapies - surgical embolectomy - interventional radiology
 

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