Mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation for venoarterial ECMO implantation in pulmonary embolism complicated by type B aortic dissection and retroperitoneal hemorrhage

Abstract

A patient with acute pulmonary embolism suffered cardiac arrest, received manual and mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation and tissue plasminogen activator before extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated. She suffered a type B aortic dissection and retroperitoneal hemorrhage secondary to resuscitation measures. This case report describes high-risk anticoagulation management for contradicting treatment goals in preparation for pulmonary embolectomy on cardiopulmonary bypass.