Surgical treatment of acute massive pulmonary embolism: report of two cases

We experienced two cases of acute massive pulmonary embolism. Both of the patients required emergent surgical procedures under cardiopulmonary bypass after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Postoperative courses of them were uneventful. In severe cases with acute massive pulmonary thrombosis, there is no time to choose medical treatment alternative to pulmonary embolectomy. The diagnosis should be made promptly, and immediate decision of operation is very important.