Extracorporeal mechanical support and aspiration thrombectomy in treatment of massive pulmonary embolism: a case report

Acute massive pulmonary embolism is the most serious presentation of venous thromboembolism that can ultimately cause obstructive shock, leading to cardiac arrest and death. In this case report, the authors present a case of a 49-year-old female who successfully recovered from a massive pulmonary embolism with the combined use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and pulmonary aspiration thrombectomy, with no complications from these procedures. Although evidence of benefit from mechanical support has not been established for patients with massive pulmonary embolism, the implementation of extracorporeal cardiocirculatory support during resuscitation may allow improvement of systemic organ perfusion and better chance of survival. Recent guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology state that venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in combination with catheter-directed treatment may be considered for patients presenting with massive pulmonary embolism and refractory cardiac arrest. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a stand-alone technique with anticoagulation remains controversial, and additional therapies, such as surgical or percutaneous embolectomy, must be considered. Since this intervention is not supported by high-quality studies, we believe it is important to report real-world successful cases. With this case report, we illustrate the benefit derived from resuscitation assisted by extracorporeal mechanical support and early aspiration thrombectomy in patients with massive pulmonary embolism. Additionally, it emphasizes the synergy that derives from integrated multidisciplinary systems for providing complex interventions, of which extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and Interventional Cardiology are clear examples.