Left anterior thoracotomy for pulmonary embolectomy with 29-year follow-up.
Pulmonary embolectomy is usually performed in cardiopulmonary bypass. In acute situations too much time can be lost in setting up and connecting the pump oxygenator; this delay can cause cerebral damage in a patient with circulatory arrest. In such a situation left anterior thoracotomy can provide an ideal approach. An emergency thoracotomy can be performed in a few seconds. The lung automatically retracts. The phrenic nerve, pulmonary artery, and pericardium are clearly seen, and they outline the area for embolectomy. A case in which such an approach was successfully used is described.
Senning
A
A
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017128:Embolectomy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D013908:Thoracotomy; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome