Thromboaspiration for Massive Pulmonary Embolism Following Open Heart Surgery

Massive pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common life-threatening condition, requiring rapid recanalization of the pulmonary artery. The standard treatment is systemic thrombolysis. However, approximately one third of the patients are not suitable for thrombolysis due to major contraindications. When thrombolysis is not indicated or unsuccessful, catheter thrombectomy with thromboaspiration or open surgical embolectomy can be applied as an alternative treatment option. In this article, we present a case of massive PE developed in the early postoperative period following coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The patient was admitted to the hospital with dyspnea and clinically deteriorated in hours. The patient recovered after a thromboaspiration procedure.