Surgical Pulmonary Embolectomy for Massive and Submassive Pulmonary Embolism

Acute pulmonary embolism remains a common and undertreated cause of death. Treatment modalities for massive and submassive pulmonary embolism vary from an institution to institution. Surgical pulmonary embolectomy is nowadays a well-established, safe operation, with good short and long term results, when performed by an experienced surgeon. We review the most current medical, surgical and catheter treatment options and results, and discuss our most recently adopted algorithm. When applied within a rapidly executed, coordinated, well-defined approach, the surgical treatment provides excellent results for massive acute pulmonary embolism and the highest freedom from chronic residua. A multidisciplinary algorithm agreed upon our hospital stakeholders such as the emergency department, cardiology and cardiac surgery can streamline the approach, reduce error and hopefully improve survival.