Retrograde Pulmonary Embolectomy for Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Simplified Technique

Abstract

Surgical embolectomy in acute pulmonary embolism is usually reserved for patients with massive pulmonary embolism presenting with cardiogenic shock, or for whom thrombolysis is absolutely contraindicated or has failed. Incomplete removal of thrombotic material lodged in the distal pulmonary arterial bed is considered an important cause of persistent pulmonary hypertension. Retrograde pulmonary embolectomy is an adjunct to conventional pulmonary embolectomy, resulting in more complete embolectomy, specifically of material lodged in the distal pulmonary arterial bed. We describe our simplified technique of retrograde pulmonary embolectomy as a safe adjunct to conventional pulmonary embolectomy.