Outcomes-based systematic review for management of massive intra-cardiac or pulmonary thrombotic emboli during surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The management of massive intra-operative embolism remains controversial. Our hypothesis was that either surgical or medical thrombectomy offers survival benefit in these patients. METHODS: Published case reports were reviewed for intra-operative intra-cardiac or pulmonary embolism and outcomes for the following four intervention groups were evaluated for mortality benefit: surgical embolectomy; thrombolysis; anticoagulation; …