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Massive Pulmonary Embolism: Percutaneous Emergency Treatment Using an Aspirex Thrombectomy Catheter

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Abstract

Massive pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition with a high early mortality rate caused by acute right ventricular failure and cardiogenic shock. A 51-year-old woman with a massive PE and contraindication for thrombolytic therapy was treated with percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy using an Aspirex 11F catheter (Straub Medical AG, Wangs, Switzerland). The procedure was successfully performed and showed a good immediate angiographic result. The patient made a full recovery from the acute episode and was discharged on heparin treatment. Our case report indicates that in patients with contraindications to systemic thrombolysis, catheter thrombectomy may constitute a life-saving intervention for massive PE.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank C. L. Zollikofer for assistance and help in preparation of the manuscript. This case was presented at CIRSE 2008.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Radiology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloska, 7-1525, Slovenia

    Peter Popovič

  2. Clinical Department for Cardiology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloska, 7-1525, Slovenia

    Matjaž Bunc

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  1. Peter Popovič
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  2. Matjaž Bunc
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Correspondence to Peter Popovič.

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Popovič, P., Bunc, M. Massive Pulmonary Embolism: Percutaneous Emergency Treatment Using an Aspirex Thrombectomy Catheter. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 33, 1052–1055 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-009-9693-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-009-9693-5

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