Lessons learned on a new procedure: Non-Sternotomy Minimally Invasive
Pulmonary Embolectomy
Abstract
Since publication of our initial experience with non-sternotomy
minimally invasive pulmonary embolectomy (MIPE) via a left mini
thoracotomy, we have expanded our experience, refined the operation and
streamlined the post-operative management of patients. Our initial
publication described three patients who underwent MIPE.1 We described
our technique which included peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) via
femoral arterial and venous cannulation, left sided 5cm anterior
thoracotomy in the 3rd intercostal space, identification and incision of
the main pulmonary artery distal to the pulmonic valve, extraction of
clot with subsequent primary closure of the pulmonary artery, and use of
a 5mm, 30 degree laparoscope as an adjunct to assess clearance of the
pulmonary artery.2 The patients included in this series had no
post-operative complications, had a mean hospital length of stay of
three days with mid-term follow-up up to 8-months revealing no untoward
complications of the procedure. With early success of the MIPE at our
institution, we began employing it preferentially over sternotomy with
central CPB and pulmonary embolectomy. Since initial publication of our
results, we have performed the MIPE in two additional patients with
excellent outcomes. We herein present augmentations we’ve made to the
procedure with a case-presentation which highlights these adaptations.