MASSIVE PULMONARY-EMBOLISM WITH CIRCULATORY FAILURE - SURVIVAL FOLLOWING 60 HOURS SUPPORT WITH A MEMBRANE LUNG

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 76  (2) , 252-256
Abstract
A 62 yr old man had circulatory failure from massive pulmonary embolism following a road accident. Despite intensive therapy including urokinase infusion, inotropic drugs and mechanical ventilation, the patient''s circulatory status deteriorated. When it became impossible to maintain the mean systemic arterial pressure above 50 mm Hg and the cardiac index above 1 l/min per m2, circulatory support by partial cardiopulmonary bypass with a membrane lung was begun. Acute circulatory failure and acute pulmonary hypertension were promptly reduced by this procedure, and patient''s status necessitated only i.v. heparin infusion and mechanical ventilation. After 60 h of bypass the patient was weaned from the membrane lung, and 1 mo. later he was discharged.