keuhkoembolectomia

Keuhkoembolectomia is a surgical procedure to remove a blood clot, known as a pulmonary embolism, from an artery in the lung. This condition occurs when a clot travels from elsewhere in the body, typically the legs, and lodges in the pulmonary arteries, obstructing blood flow to the lungs. Symptoms can include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, and rapid heart rate.

The decision to perform a keuhkoembolectomia is usually made when a patient has a massive pulmonary embolism that is causing severe hemodynamic instability, meaning their blood pressure is critically low and they are at immediate risk of death. In such cases, anticoagulation therapy alone may not be sufficient or rapid enough to resolve the life-threatening obstruction.

The surgery can be performed using two main approaches: open surgery or minimally invasive techniques. Open keuhkoembolectomia involves a larger incision in the chest to directly access and remove the clot. Minimally invasive keuhkoembolectomia, often referred to as endovascular or catheter-directed therapy, uses catheters inserted through blood vessels, typically in the groin, to reach the clot and break it up or suction it out. The choice of technique depends on the patient's overall health, the size and location of the clot, and the surgeon's expertise.

While keuhkoembolectomia can be life-saving, it is a major operation with inherent risks. These can include bleeding, infection, damage to blood vessels, and recurrence of clots. The recovery period can be lengthy, with patients often requiring intensive care monitoring following the procedure. Following surgery, patients are usually prescribed anticoagulant medications to prevent further clot formation.