Work

Beyond Clots: The Role of Cardiac Anesthesiologists in a Case of ECMO for Massive Pulmonary Embolism

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We present a case of a 35-year-old male who presented with sudden-onset severe chest pain and breathlessness. CTPA revealed massive bilateral pulmonary embolism. The patient underwent catheter-directed mechanical thrombectomy (CDMT) under general anesthesia, complicated by cardiogenic shock necessitating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Post ROSC, venoarterial ECMO was initiated, and catheter-directed thrombolysis was performed. CDMT was reattempted but not fully successful, and the patient developed right heart failure with pulmonary hypertension. ECMO continued for 5 days and gradually weaned off. He was extubated successfully on Day 7 and discharged home later.

Source: Case Reports in Critical Care

DOI: 10.1155/crcc/5573593

Authors: Vimal Varma, Isqandar Adnan, Engku Naim, Rusnaini Mustapha

Institutions: Universiti Teknologi MARA System, Universiti Teknologi MARA

Language: English

Topic: Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $790