Mechanical circulatory assist for pulmonary embolism

Optimal management of acute pulmonary embolism remains controversial. despi te advances in thrombolytic therapy. Haemodynamic instability and, in parti cular, right ventricular dysfunction is associated with poor outcomes. Urge nt surgical embolectomy has been the treatment of choice in this category o f patients. We present two cases in which percutaneous cardiopulmonary supp ort (PCPS) was used as an adjunct to thrombolytic therapy for progressive c irculatory collapse secondary to massive acute pulmonary embolism. This exp erience suggests that PCPS may offer an attractive option for a condition w hich continues to carry significant morbidity and mortality.