title: Emergent pulmonary embolectomy: the treatment for massive pulmonary embolus.
abstract: Massive pulmonary embolus usually leads to in-hospital mortality if not treated aggressively. Four patients were seen with severe cardiorespiratory compromise resulting from massive pulmonary emboli. Emergent pulmonary embolectomy was followed by marked clinical improvement, and 3 patients were subsequently discharged from the hospital. The clinical courses of these patients are described, and massive pulmonary embolus and its management are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents