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Medical compared with surgical treatment for massive pulmonary embolism

Item Type:Article
Title:Medical compared with surgical treatment for massive pulmonary embolism
Creators Name:Gulba, D., Schmid, C., Borst, H.G., Lichtlen, P.R., Dietz, R. and Luft, F.C.
Abstract:We compared embolectomy (when available) with thrombolysis in patients with shock and massive pulmonary embolism. 13 patients were operated on, 10 (77%) of whom survived. The inferior vena cava was routinely clipped. The 24 medically treated patients were given alteplase until systemic and pulmonary artery pressures stabilised and heparin thereafter; 16 (67%) survived. Major haemorrhage occurred in 28% of medically treated patients, but was not fatal. 1 patient had a small cerebral haemorrhage that resolved without drainage. One-fifth of the medical group had a re-embolism, which suggests that temporary caval umbrellas are indicated in medically treated patients. Thrombolysis may provide a life-saving option and a randomised trial is warranted.
Keywords:Combination Drug Therapy, Follow-Up Studies, Hemorrhage, Heparin, Inferior Vena Cava, Pulmonary Artery, Pulmonary Embolism, Thrombolytic Therapy, Tissue Plasminogen Activator, Treatment Outcome
Source:Lancet
ISSN:0140-6736
Publisher:Lancet
Volume:343
Number:8897
Page Range:576-577
Date:5 March 1994
Official Publication:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(94)91523-7
PubMed:View item in PubMed

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