Pulmonary Embolectomy
Pulmonary embolism (PEs) is a common and sometimes fatal disease which involves a blood clot traveling to the pulmonary arteries that supply blood to the lungs. This results in patients having severe difficulty in breathing or other related symptoms. While traditionally these clots have been removed by open heart surgery, they can now be removed using a catheter. This procedure is typically reserved for urgent or emergent situations.
What to Expect
During the procedure, you can expect the following:
- Catheter insertion: a large catheter is placed typically in the femoral vein and is advanced to the location of the clot
- Clot removal: a specialized device is used to remove the clot
- Completion: once the clot has been removed, the catheter is withdrawn and the incision is closed
After the procedure, you can expect to stay in the hospital for a few days to be monitored and receive follow-up care. Some things to expect include:
- Pain and discomfort from the incision site or in the chest area
- Fatigue
- Bruising and swelling from the incision site
You will start on blood thinners and will have follow-up appointments with your careteam to monitor your recovery and check for any complications.