Tissue plasminogen activator and cardiopulmonary bypass for massive pulmonary embolus.
Massive pulmonary embolus resulting in cardiac arrest and doubtful cerebral status may result in indecision as to whether to proceed to pulmonary embolectomy, especially if there is continuing cardiorespiratory instability. A case is reported on the use of fibrinolysis and cardiopulmonary bypass, allowing for the cerebral status of the patient to become more clearly defined while maintaining cardiopulmonary stability and attempting to treat the underlying pathological process.
Frizelle
F A
FA
General Surgery Department, Dunedin Hospital, New Zealand.
Massey
R
R
Feint
J A
JA
Xabregas
A A
AA
D000328:Adult; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000628:therapy*; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator