Inflow occlusion pulmonary embolectomy in the modern era of cardiac surgery

Pulmonary embolism (PE) continues to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. It is estimated that nearly 200,000 to 300,000 PEs are diagnosed annually in the United States: approximately 1 per 1000 persons per year. Additionally, PE is associated with 50,000 to 100,00 0death sannually. 1 Operativ eintervention ,although rarely performed, is indicated in patients with massive embolism resulting in hemodynamic instability. Massive embolism is defined as a PE associated with systolic pressures less than 90 mm Hg or a 40 mm Hg or greater decrease from baseline for longer tha n1 5minutes. 2 Patient swit hsuc hemboli cburde nofte nrapidly progress to refractory hypotension and subsequent cardiopulmonary arrest. This patient population may benefit from surgical embolectomy.