Transbrachial Catheter-Assisted Thrombolysis and Bailout Stenting for Massive Postoperative Pulmonary Embolism.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A 61-year-old patient developed acute dyspnea and hypoxemia 72 hours after open lung lobectomy. An urgent computed tomography angiography revealed an acute pulmonary embolism with complete left pulmonary artery occlusion.

Case summary

The patient was referred for urgent catheterization by a multidisciplinary team due to bleeding risks. Using right transbrachial access, the left pulmonary artery was recanalized. After balloon angioplasty, intravascular imaging guided the optimal placement of a stent to resolve vessel recoil. Local low-dose thrombolysis was initiated after partial reopening. After 24 hours, control angiography showed significant improvement in pulmonary artery perfusion.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of using a

SUBMITTER: Ouarrak S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12441596 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature