A new approach to pulmonary embolism

Abstract

Now that Hearts are Trumps,…. Now that Bells are Rung… to summon competent cardio‐pulmonary resuscitation teams on call around the clock, it is a poor motto ‘To Live and Let Die’.

Deep vein thrombosis

“…Although recently streptokinase has been suggested as an alternative method of treatment, this drug is only of value if survival is to be measured in hours or days. Pulmonary embolectomy is to be preferred for the patient with massive embolism likely to die within the hour, and if it is being used for the right cases is probably best carried out without by-pass (Pisko-Dubienski, 1968). Streptokinase therapy and pulmonary embolectomy should never be combined because of the risk of uncontrollable haemorrhage.…”

“…If the procedure of emboleztomy is successful it is then important to assess, perhaps by operative phlebography, the condition of the iliofemoral segments and cava, so that venous thrombectomy, when indicated, can be carried out without delay, and the risk of further embolism removed (Pisko-Dubienski, 1968).…”