Surgical emergency embolectomy for the treatment of fulminant pulmonary embolism in a preterm infant.
A massive pulmonary embolism, demonstrated by echocardiography developed in a 3-week-old preterm infant. An etiologic explanation could not be obtained from either history or clinical and laboratory findings. Pulmonary embolectomy was performed as an emergency procedure because of severe hemodynamic impairment despite intensive medical therapy. In children who have massive pulmonary embolism who remain in a compromised hemodynamic state despite intensive medical therapy, pulmonary embolectomy may be considered the alternative emergency treatment.
Gamillscheg
A
A
Department of Congenital Heart Disease, German Heart Center, Berlin.
Nürnberg
J H
JH
Alexi-Meskishvili
V
V
Werner
H
H
Abdul-Kaliq
H
H
Uhlemann
F
F
Hetzer
R
R
Lange
P E
PE
D017128:Embolectomy; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006493:Heparin