Case Reports

RVAD Support in the Setting of Submassive Pulmonary Embolism

^* Divisions of Cardiac Surgery and
^† Cardiology, University of Genova Medical School, Genova, Italy

Address correspondence to: Antonio Salsano, MD, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Genova Medical School, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova 16132, Italy. E-mail: ant.salsano@gmail.com

Received: 13 February 2017
Accepted: 13 September 2017

Abstract

Patients with submassive pulmonary embolism (PE), although normotensive, are characterized by right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and elevated levels of biomarkers of cardiac damage. The best treatment option in these cases is still a subject of debate and the use of thrombolysis in submassive PE remains controversial. A 57-year-old Caucasian male with unprovoked PE, normal blood pressure, and elevated troponin I values was referred to the cardiovascular department. In view of the presence of a right atrium thrombus, the patient underwent surgical embolectomy under extracorporeal circulation, with the extraction of a huge thrombus together with fragmented thrombi from both pulmonary arteries. The patient developed an acute right heart failure solved with a temporary RV assist device (RVAD) support. The RV recovery was observed after 72 hours following the implantation. RVAD placement should be considered in the management of PE in case of acute right heart failure after reperfusion therapy since it can bring the patient out of a death spiral.