Transcatheter pulmonary embolectomy after fontan. Issue 5 (8th July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Torok, Rachel D.; Fleming, Gregory A.; Hill, Kevin D.
• Is Part Of: Catheterization and cardiovascular interventions. Volume 87:Issue 5(2016)
• Page Start: 939
• Page End: 944
• Publication Date: 2015-07-08
• Subjects: pulmonary embolism -- thrombectomy -- congenital heart disease -- heart failure; Heart -- Diseases -- Diagnosis -- Periodicals; Cardiac catheterization -- Periodicals; 616.1207572
• DOI: 10.1002/ccd.26096
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1522-1946

Abstract

Abstract : Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients, and thrombolytics are the mainstay of treatment. However, for patients who fail or have contraindications to thrombolytic therapy, catheter‐based therapies, such as the AngioVac aspiration system, have emerged as an alternative to surgical embolectomy. Here, we present the novel case of a 22 year‐old woman with Fontan circulation who developed severe postpartum cardiomyopathy and a saddle PE. She failed thrombolytic therapy but underwent successful pulmonary embolectomy by AngioVac aspiration. Patients with Fontan circulation have an increased incidence of thromboembolic events, and AngioVac thrombectomy is a valuable treatment option in these complex patients. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.