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Visualization of thromboembolic material in the pulmonary artery is often difficult on transesophageal echocardiography, especially in the left pulmonary artery, because of the position of the left main bronchus. We present a case in which thromboembolic material within the midleft pulmonary artery was incidentally diagnosed using additional, modified transesophageal echocardiography views, in a patient undergoing mitral valve repair.

A 36-year-old female with hemoglobin Nottingham (betaFG 5(98) Val --> Gly) causing severe hemolytic anemia and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension presented with symptomatic subacute right lower lobar pulmonary arterial thrombosis requiring surgical pulmonary thrombectomy. We describe a successful, multidisciplinary approach to the problems associated with this disease, particularly with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.

Patients undergoing pulmonary embolectomy often experience hemodynamic deterioration during induction of general anesthesia (GA). Therefore, we studied the incidence and possible risk factors for hemodynamic deterioration during GA induction. Fifty-two consecutive patients undergoing emergent pulmonary embolectomy at our institution were included. Hemodynamic collapse after GA induction was defined as hypotension refractory to vasopressor, inotrope, or fluid administration, requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation followed by urgent institution of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Demographic variables, comorbidities, specific location of thromboemboli, preoperative inotropic support, and anesthetic drugs used for GA induction were evaluated as possible risk factors. After GA induction, hemodynamic collapse occurred in 19% of patients (n = 10). However, the occurrence of hemodynamic instability was not predicted by any of the evaluated risk factors. In addition, the incidence of in-hospital mortality did not differ between hemodynamically stable or unstable patients (10%; 4 of 42 versus 10%; 1 of 10 patients, respectively). In conclusion, hemodynamic deterioration after GA induction develops frequently during emergent pulmonary embolectomy. On the basis of our experience from this study and the unpredictable nature of hemodynamic deterioration, we suggest that patients undergoing pulmonary embolectomy should be prepared and draped before GA induction, and a cardiac surgical team should immediately be available for emergent institution of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Surgical pulmonary embolectomy is a definitive treatment for patients with severe pulmonary embolism (PE). Postoperative placement of an inferior vena caval filter (IVCF) may prevent recurrent PE. We present a patient who underwent pulmonary embolectomy in whom postoperative placement of an IVCF was postponed due to hemodynamic instability and severe hemorrhage. Recurrent PE was recognized 12 hours after the initial surgery, and required reoperative pulmonary embolectomy. This report documents that recurrent PE can occur early after pulmonary embolectomy even in the presence of coagulopathy. Therefore, concurrent IVCF placement should be considered during or immediately after pulmonary embolectomy to prevent recurrent pulmonary embolism.

Background: Pulmonary embolectomy is an evolving surgical procedure for the treatment of severe pulmonary embolism. In addition to removing pulmonary thromboemboli, the achievement of optimal results also requires identification and extraction of intrathoracic, extrapulmonary thromboemboli from the right atrium, right ventricle, and the superior or inferior vena cava. Otherwise, these thromboemboli may become the source of recurrent pulmonary embolism. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography is frequently used during pulmonary embolectomy as a guide for the surgeon and a monitor of cardiac performance. However, its utility for detecting concurrent intrathoracic, extrapulmonary thromboemboli has not been thoroughly investigated., Methods: The study population included 50 consecutive patients undergoing emergent pulmonary embolectomy. Results from preoperative diagnostic studies including transthoracic echocardiography; ventilation/perfusion scan, pulmonary angiography, and computed tomography were reviewed, along with the intraoperative echocardiographic reports for the presence of intrathoracic extrapulmonary thromboemboli. In addition, the surgical operative notes were consulted to determine the impact of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography on surgical decision making., Results: Extrapulmonary intrathoracic thromboemboli were identified preoperatively in 8 patients (16%). Intraoperatively, thromboemboli were identified in 5 additional patients by transesophageal echocardiography, adding to a total of 13 patients with extrapulmonary thrombi (26%). Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography provided the sole source of evidence that directed surgical management in 10% (5 of 50) of all patients undergoing pulmonary emboletcomy., Conclusions: Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography identified intrathoracic, extrapulmonary thomboemboli in 26% of patients undergoing pulmonary embolectomy, resulting in an alteration of surgical management in 10% of patients. These findings support the critical role of intraoperative echocardiography during pulmonary embolectomy.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with significant perioperative morbidity and mortality. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) may permit direct visualization of PE or secondary signs of pulmonary artery (PA) obstruction. However, its utility in diagnosing PE in the intraoperative setting has yet to be defined. Therefore, we performed intraoperative TEE examinations in 46 patients immediately before pulmonary embolectomy. TEE examinations were reviewed for signs of thromboemboli within the right, left, and main PA, and secondary signs of acute PA obstruction (right ventricular dysfunction, moderate-to-severe tricuspid regurgitation, leftward bowing of the interatrial septum). The definitive location of thromboemboli was determined from the surgical record. Echocardiographic evidence for the presence of PE was correctly demonstrated in 46% of all patients (n = 21 of 46). However, the sensitivity for direct visualization of thromboemboli at any specific location was only 26%. TEE was least sensitive for thromboemboli in the left PA (17%). TEE evidence of right ventricular dysfunction was observed in 96%, tricuspid regurgitation in 50%, and leftward interatrial septal bowing in 98% of examinations. Therefore, the use of intraoperative TEE to diagnose acute PE via direct visualization is limited. Indirect TEE evidence of PA obstruction may be helpful in supporting a diagnosis of PE.